South African young talent Lhuan-dre Pretorius has caught the spotlight with a stellar debut in his first match of the SA20 2025. The left-handed batter left a lasting impression with his remarkable performance in Match 03 of the tournament at Boland Park in Paarl.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ breakout performance
The Paarl Royals star posted an impressive 97 runs off 51 balls against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. It was a remarkable innings from the young batter, who faced a challenging bowling attack featuring Marco Jansen, Richard Gleeson, and Liam Dawson. Throughout his spectacular knock, he hit 6 sixes and 10 fours.
Praises from the England legend
Pretorius’ outstanding performance received widespread acclaim, including praise from England Test captain Ben Stokes. The Christchurch-born cricketer highlighted Pretorius as an example and stressed the significance of franchise cricket in offering young talents the chance to showcase their skills on major platforms.
One of the many things franchise cricket has done is give young/inexperienced but incredibly talented players opportunities on the biggest stage against the best in the world and show off how good they are.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is doing that right now 👏— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 11, 2025
Who is Pretorius?
Born in Potchefstroom, Pretorius has quickly climbed the ranks of cricket from schoolboy to a notable figure in professional cricket. Known for his aggressive yet calculated batting style, Pretorius has caught the eye of cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.
Early life and education
While still in school, Pretorius balanced his academics with cricket, awaiting his matric results as he steps into the professional arena. His commitment to both education and sport underscores his discipline and dedication. He completed most of his high school education at St. Stithians, known for producing professional athletes. In his final year, he transferred to Cornwall Hill in Pretoria. By then, Pretorius was already a member of the South African U-19 team.
International junior cricket
Pretorius made his mark at the Under-19 level. During the 2023-24 Under-19 World Cup, he was the highest run-scorer for South Africa, amassing 287 runs over six matches, with three half-centuries to his name. This performance not only showcased his talent but also led South Africa to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Also READ: Ben Stokes reacts to Lhuan-dre Pretorius’s sensational knock on SA20 debut
Domestic debut
Pretorius made his first-class debut for the Titans in December 2024, where he immediately showcased his potential by scoring a century (120 runs) on his debut, marking him as one to watch. Titans eventually registered the victory and Pretorius earned the ‘Player of the Match’.
SA20 league impact
His entry into the SA20 league with the Paarl Royals was nothing short of spectacular. On January 11, 2025, Pretorius nearly stole the show with an explosive 97 runs off just 51 balls against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. His aggressive knock, featuring 10 fours and six sixes, was a testament to his ability to dominate from the get-go.
Notably, Pretorius was included in the Paarl Royals squad for the second season of the SA20 in 2023-24. However, his involvement in the 2023-24 U-19 World Cup for South Africa, where he was the team’s top run-scorer, prevented him from playing in the second season of the SA20.
What’s next for Pretorius?
Following his breakthrough performances, there is growing anticipation around how Pretorius will continue to develop his game. With his impressive displays, he has captured the attention of both fans and experts alike. His current form indicates that he is not a mere one-off talent but someone who has the potential to establish himself as a consistent performer in the long run.
