Lhuan‑dre Pretorius: South Africa’s New Batting Sensation
A Star on the Rise
Lhuan‑dre Gilbert Pretorius, born on 27 March 2006 in Potchefstroom, North West, South Africa, is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting young talents in international cricket. A left-handed wicketkeeper-batter, he combines explosive strokeplay with composure—traits that have already captured global attention.
Journey from School Prowess to International Glory
Pretorius’s rise began in school cricket, where he excelled at St Stithians College, later moving to Cornwall Hill College during his final year, both known for nurturing athletic talent. His family’s backyard net practice was the catalyst, but it was in Grade 9—when he scored a century on his first XI debut—that his potential became evident.
His youth career reached new heights at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he was South Africa’s leading run-scorer with 287 runs in six matches, averaging 57.40 with a strike rate of 94.09, including three half-centuries.
Stepping swiftly into professional ranks, he made his first-class debut for Titans in December 2024, smashing a century (120) in that very match.
Franchise Cricket and Explosive Impact
Pretorius’s aggression and flair shone in the 2025 SA20 league with the Paarl Royals. On debut, he stormed to a blistering 97 off just 51 balls—featuring 10 fours and 6 sixes—and finished the tournament as the team’s highest run-scorer with 397 runs at a strike rate of 166.80.
His dazzling form made franchises take notice. Hampshire signed him for the English Vitality T20 Blast in February 2025—an opportunity he described as a “real honour”.
He also earned a mid-season IPL call-up to the Rajasthan Royals, filling in for the injured Nitish Rana. With 33 T20 matches under his belt, 911 career runs, and a top score of 97, Pretorius joined the IPL at a base price of INR 30 lakh.
Career Snapshot
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate / Top Score | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 2 | 235 | 78.33 | Top Score: 153 | Youngest SA to score Test 150; fastest 150 by SA |
| First-Class | 9 | 720 | 65.45 | HS: 153 | Century on debut |
| List A | 14 | 577 | 44.38 | HS: 120 | Solid emerging form |
| T20 (overall) | 38 | 1,021 | 28.36 | SR ~147; HS: 97 | Explosive T20 credentials |
Achievements & Milestones
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Leading run-scorer for South Africa at the 2024 U‑19 World Cup
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Century on first-class debut (120 for Titans)
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Explosive SA20 debut: 97 off 51 for Paarl Royals
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Signed for Hampshire for England’s T20 Blast
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IPL call-up by Rajasthan Royals in 2025
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Youngest South African to score a Test century (153 on debut)
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Youngest ever to score 150 in a Test innings, eclipsing Javed Miandad’s long-standing record
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Fastest 150 by a South African in Tests, and fastest century on Test debut (112 balls)
Conclusion: A Prodigy in the Making
Lhuan‑dre Pretorius stands out not just for his precocious talent, but for how he seizes opportunities—from school grounds to global arenas. His Test debut century, record-breaking 150, and power-packed T20 exploits mark the emergence of a unique all-format player. As South African cricket navigates transitions, Pretorius offers a fresh, dynamic force—both with the bat and behind the stumps.
