Pretorius sets new world record with maiden T20I century

Lhuan-dre Pretorius has set a new world record, becoming the youngest player from an ICC Full Member nation to score a century in T20I cricket, reaching the milestone against Namibia at 20 years and 161 days old.

Pretorius struck an unbeaten 101 off 53 balls, including five fours and eight sixes, as part of a rapid opening stand with Connor Esterhuizen that laid the platform for South Africa’s 228-4.

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He eventually fell to Gerhard Erasmus with the total on 227, but not before moving clear of Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai, who previously held the record at 20 years and 337 days.

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal (21 years, 279 days), Pakistan’s Ahmed Shehzad (22 years, 127 days) and England’s Jacob Bethell (22 years, 133 days) round out the top five on the list.

The milestone adds to a growing list of achievements for Pretorius, who has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents at the top of South Africa’s T20I batting order since his introduction to the format.

New World Record! 🌍🔥

Lhuan-dré Pretorius has etched his name into the history books! 📖

At just 20 years and 161 days old, #TheProteas opener now holds the record of the youngest ever player from an ICC Full Member nation to score a T20I century! 🇿🇦👏

A record breaking knock… pic.twitter.com/VOV4HHuw4m

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) September 4, 2026

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Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images

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