⚡ Zimbabwe’s Frustration Erupts Over Pretorius’s Debut Reprieve

On June 28, 2025, at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club, 19-year-old South African debutant Lhuan‑dre Pretorius survived an early chance that left Zimbabwe’s players and fans fuming.Zimbabwe’s Frustration Erupts Over Pretorius’s Debut Reprieve

🧩 The Controversial Moment

While underway at 68/4, Pretorius faced Tanaka Chivanga and played a defensive drive. A sharp “thud” was heard as the ball passed close behind his bat, lodging in wicketkeeper Tsiga’s gloves. Zimbabwe demanded a caught-behind dismissal—but the umpire stood firm: not out. With no DRS in play, the decision stuck, stirring visible upset among Zimbabwe’s players, one of whom taunted Pretorius, saying, “You’ve got to walk for that!”

🏏 Pretorius Turns Escape Into Triumph

Rather than capitulate, Pretorius seized the reprieve. He and fellow debutant Dewald Brevis built a significant 95-run partnership, rescuing the Proteas from early collapse. Pretorius eventually smashed a brilliant 153 runs, featuring 11 fours and 4 sixes, becoming the youngest South African to score a Test century at just 19 years and 93 days, breaking Graeme Pollock’s 1964 record

📊 Match Momentum Shifts

South Africa surged from 23/3 to post 418/9 by stumps. The innings included another standout—a century from number-eight, Corbin Bosch—and Ta nz east hand Chivanga’s 4/83, Zimbabwe’s standout bowling performance of the day

🧠 Sportsmanship & Strategy

The incident sparked debate. Former cricketer Shaun Pollock noted that without DRS, umpiring calls like this remain unchallengeable, adding spice to the contest. Zimbabwe’s fielders were visibly upset, feeling justice slipped away

🧩 The Big Picture

• Pretorius: Age 19y93d, youngest SA Test centurion.
• Partnership: +95 runs for 5th wicket with Brevis.
• Context: No DRS—snick doesn’t count; hosts can’t overturn decision.
• Zimbabwe’s sentiment: “You’ve got to walk”—public airing of what many considered an ethical lapse.

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📝 Final Thoughts

What began as a lightning-charged Test debut for Pretorius turned electric after that controversial moment. His refusal to walk sparked emotion, but he transformed it into an astonishing innings that swung the match, marking one of the most memorable debuts in South African Test history.