How Did Pretorius and Bosch Achieve Their Maiden Tons on Day 1?
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Synopsis
On Day 1 of the first Test against Zimbabwe, South Africa's Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch scored their maiden Test centuries, leading the team to 418/9. Witness the rise of young talent in the Proteas as they navigate a challenging start to their World Test Championship campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius became the youngest South African Test centurion at 19 years and 93 days.
- Corbin Bosch scored his first Test century, finishing not out at 100.
- The Proteas recovered from 55/4 to reach 418/9.
- Zimbabwe's Tanaka Chivanga took 4 wickets for 83 runs.
- Strong partnership between Pretorius and Bosch was key to South Africa's innings.
Bulawayo, June 28 (NationPress) The reigning champions, South Africa, kicked off their journey in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle in an impressive manner, overcoming an early setback to reach 418/9 at the end of Day 1 in the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club on Saturday.
After a shaky start at 55/4, the young left-handed batsman Lhuan-dre Pretorius turned the tide for the Proteas with an outstanding 153, making him the youngest South African to score a Test century. He was supported by fellow debutant Dewald Brevis, who added 51, as they formed a formidable 95-run partnership off just 88 balls. Corbin Bosch brought excitement in the final moments of the day, also notching his first Test century in the last over.
Zimbabwe's bowlers initially dominated, with Tanaka Chivanga dismantling the South African top order. Both openers, Tony de Zorzi and Matthew Breetzke, were dismissed early, while Chivanga also claimed David Bedingham for a duck just two overs later. A miscommunication led to the run-out of Wiaan Mulder for 17.
On his Test debut at 19 years and 93 days, Pretorius reached his century with a single off his 113th ball during the second session, breaking the previous record held by Graeme Pollock.
Brevis and Pretorius steadied the innings, with Brevis hitting three sixes off Vincent Masekesa to reach his half-century. However, their partnership ended when Brevis was caught at mid-off.
Masekesa claimed his first wicket thanks to a brilliant catch by skipper Craig Ervine, ending Kyle Verreynne’s innings at just 12.
Pretorius took the lead against the Zimbabwe bowlers, striking 11 boundaries and four sixes. He and Bosch formed a solid 108-run partnership for the seventh wicket, with Pretorius reaching 150 before falling to Chivanga.
Keshav Maharaj and Codi Yusuf contributed 21 and 28 runs, respectively, before their dismissals. Bosch reached his century off 124 balls, just three balls before the close of play. Kwena Maphaka added flair by hitting a six on the last delivery.
Brief scores:
South Africa 418/9 in 90 overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 153, Corbin Bosch 100*, Dewald Brevis 51; Tanaka Chivanga 4-83, Blessing Muzarabani 2-59) vs Zimbabwe
Point of View
South Africa's early innings struggles were a reminder of the challenges in Test cricket. Yet, the emergence of young talents like Pretorius and Bosch showcases the depth of skill in our cricketing future. The Proteas have set a promising tone for this WTC cycle, and fans are eager for what lies ahead.
NationPress
28/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of South Africa on Day 1?
South Africa finished Day 1 at 418/9.
Who scored the highest runs for South Africa?
Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored the highest with 153 runs.
What record did Pretorius break?
He became the youngest South African to score a Test century at 19 years and 93 days.
Who were the key bowlers for Zimbabwe?
Tanaka Chivanga led with 4 wickets for 83 runs.
Where was the match played?
The match took place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
