Pretorius’s Debut Century Shatters Records in Test Match

BULAWAYO: Lhuan-dre Pretorius celebrated his Test debut with a remarkable innings of 153 runs, complemented by Corbin Bosch’s first-ever century, propelling South Africa to a total of 418/9 on the first day against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Saturday.

Keshav Maharaj, South Africa’s interim captain, elected to bat first, a decision that initially seemed problematic as Tanaka Chivanga decimated their top order, leaving them struggling at 23/3.

Following this early setback, Pretorius partnered with Wiaan Mulder, forming a 32-run stand for the fourth wicket before Mulder was run out after scoring 17 runs from 47 balls.

Subsequently, Pretorius combined with Dewald Brevis for a vital 95-run partnership, which shifted the momentum in favor of South Africa.

The pair accelerated the scoring rate, with Brevis reaching his half-century in just 38 deliveries.

Blessing Muzarabani eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Brevis for 51 off 41 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes, reducing South Africa to 150/5.

South Africa then encountered another setback when Wellington Masakadza removed wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, who managed to score 10 runs from 16 balls.

Pretorius then engaged in another significant partnership, adding 108 runs for the sixth wicket with Bosch before falling to Chivanga. Chivanga was Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler, claiming four wickets.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius was the leading scorer for South Africa with 153 runs from 160 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and four sixes. His impressive innings allowed him to surpass long-held records previously held by Javed Miandad and AB de Villiers.

After his dismissal, Bosch took charge of South Africa’s batting, forming crucial partnerships with Maharaj (21) and Codi Yusuf (27), moving them closer to the 400-run mark.

His unbeaten 29-run stand for the tenth wicket with Kwena Mapakha allowed them to exceed the milestone, with Bosch achieving his maiden Test century.

At the close of play, Bosch remained undefeated on 100 from 124 balls, including 10 boundaries, while Mapakha was unbeaten on nine.

The duo is set to resume South Africa’s first innings from 418/9 on the second day.

Aside from Chivanga, Muzarabani secured two wickets, while Masakadza and Vincent Masekesa each claimed one wicket.