Lhuan-dre Pretorius hit his first T20I hundred, guiding South Africa to an 11‑run victory over Namibia in the T20I Tri‑Series at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek on 4 September 2026. At 20 years and 161 days, he became the youngest full‑member to achieve a T20I century.
His innings, lasting 20 years and 161 days, eclipsed the earlier record set by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai, who reached his maiden T20I century at 20 years and 337 days. Pretorius was eventually dismissed for 101, and South Africa posted 228 for 4.
This century marked the third time Pretorius has turned a half‑century into a full hundred. He reached his fifty in the 11th over and struck five fours and eight sixes. The precise ball count for his century is still under review due to differing source reports.
How did the South Africa innings unfold against Namibia?
Opener Pretorius partnered with Connor Esterhuizen to establish a formidable 156‑run opening stand. Esterhuizen, more aggressive, amassed 88 off 40 balls, including eight sixes, before being dismissed.
Building on that platform, Pretorius accelerated his innings and saw South Africa finish on 228 for 4, a total they successfully defended.
Namibia responded aggressively, with Jan Frylinck and Louren Steenkamp racing to 67 unbeaten in the powerplay. Nevertheless, South Africa maintained composure through the middle and death overs to clinch an 11‑run win.
What does this result mean for South Africa in the Tri-series?
The victory secured South Africa’s spot in the final of the Namibia 2026 T20I Tri‑Series. They will face Zimbabwe in the championship match on Sunday.
Pretorius had already impressed with a career‑best 94 off 51 balls in South Africa’s 43‑run victory over Zimbabwe on 2 September 2026, positioning him among the series’ top batters.
South Africa aim to translate that batting momentum into the final against Zimbabwe, with Pretorius solidifying his role as a key top‑order contributor.
Youngest Full-Member Men’s T20I Centurions
Player
Score
Age
Team
Opposition
Year
Lhuan-dre Pretorius
101
20y 161d
South Africa
Namibia
2026
Hazratullah Zazai
162*
20y 337d
Afghanistan
Ireland
2019
Yashasvi Jaiswal
100
21y 279d
India
Nepal
2023
Brian Bennett
111
21y 324d
Zimbabwe
Tanzania
2025
Tilak Varma
107*
22y 05d
India
South Africa
2024
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
100
22y 31d
Afghanistan
UAE
2023
Dewald Brevis
125*
22y 105d
South Africa
Australia
2025
Ahmed Shahzad
111*
22y 127d
Pakistan
Bangladesh
2014
Jacob Bethell
105
22y 133d
England
India
2026
Hasan Nawaz
105*
22y 212d
Pakistan
New Zealand
2025
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