South Africa Reach 418-9 as Teenager Pretorius Scores Record Debut Century vs Zimbabwe

In the first Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, a much-changed South African team reached 418 for nine on the opening day, led by the standout performance of 19-year-old debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who scored 153 runs. Pretorius became the youngest South African to score a century on Test debut, hitting 11 fours and four sixes, despite Zimbabwe's appeals being denied due to the absence of a third umpire. Fellow debutant Dewald Brevis contributed 51 runs in a 95-run partnership with Pretorius that shifted momentum after South Africa was initially struggling at 55 for four. All-rounder Corbin Bosch also scored his maiden Test century, finishing unbeaten on 100, and was set to resume batting with Kwena Maphaka. The South African lineup featured only four players from the squad that recently won the World Test Championship final, with captain Temba Bavuma sidelined due to injury. Zimbabwe's bowler Tanaka Chivanga impressed with figures of 4-83, including the wicket of Pretorius, but South Africa maintained control of the innings.