Lhuan-dre Pretorius has added another major milestone to his rapidly developing career, becoming the youngest South African to score a century in men’s T20 internationals.
The 20-year-old left-handed opener produced a stunning performance against Namibia in the Tri-Series in Windhoek, smashing 101 runs from just 53 balls to power South Africa to an 11-run victory.
His innings included five fours and eight sixes, underlining the fearless attacking style that has made him one of South Africa’s most exciting young batters.
Pretorius Reaches T20I Century in Style
Pretorius came into the match after scoring 94 against Zimbabwe earlier in the week, and he carried that momentum into the clash with Namibia.
Alongside Connor Esterhuizen, he tore into the Namibian bowling attack. The pair produced a remarkable 156-run opening partnership in only 11.5 overs.
Pretorius eventually reached three figures from 53 deliveries, becoming the youngest South African to score a T20I century.
South Africa went on to post 228/4, before restricting Namibia to 217/3 to secure an 11-run win.
From IPL Connection to South African Record
Pretorius is not an unfamiliar name to Indian cricket fans.
He was part of the Rajasthan Royals setup, the same franchise that has given a platform to teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
That connection makes Pretorius’ latest achievement particularly interesting.
Sooryavanshi himself has repeatedly broken age- batting records. In November 2025, he became the youngest player to score a century for a men’s national team after smashing 144 off 42 balls for India A against the UAE at just 14 years and 232 days.
Pretorius, meanwhile, has now established his own place in South African cricket history.
He Already Holds a Major Test Record
This is not Pretorius’ first record-breaking performance.
In June 2025, he became the youngest South African to score a Test century, achieving the feat against Zimbabwe at just 19 years and 93 days.
He scored a remarkable 153 from 160 balls on Test debut, breaking a record that had stood for more than six decades.
The previous record belonged to South African great Graeme Pollock, who was 19 years and 318 days old when he scored 120 against Australia in 1963.
Pretorius also became the youngest player in Test history to score 150 on debut, surpassing Pakistan legend Javed Miandad’s previous mark.
A Young Batter With Serious Power
Pretorius’ rise has been rapid.
Before making his international breakthrough, he had already impressed in South Africa’s domestic competitions and the SA20. He was also the leading run-scorer at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup, where he accumulated 287 runs in six matches.
His aggressive batting eventually earned him opportunities in franchise cricket, including a stint with Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
His latest T20I century shows that his ability to dominate bowling attacks is not limited to one format.
South Africa Secure Place in Tri-Series Final
Pretorius’ century also played a major role in South Africa’s latest victory.
After reaching 228/4, the Proteas restricted Namibia to 217/3 in a high-scoring contest.
The victory confirmed South Africa’s place in the final, where they will face Zimbabwe.
Another Young Star Rising
While Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to rewrite age- records for Indian cricket, Lhuan-dre Pretorius is doing something similar for South Africa.
At only 20, Pretorius is already the country’s youngest T20I centurion and its youngest Test centurion.
With his combination of power, fearless strokeplay and experience across formats, the South African opener is quickly becoming one of the young names to watch in world cricket.
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