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Young South African talent Juan-dre Pretorius has attracted attention with a stellar debut in his first game of the SA20 2025. The left-handed batsman left a lasting impression with his remarkable performance in Match 03 of the tournament at Boland Park in Paarl.
The outstanding performance of Lhuan-dre Pretorius
The Pearl Royals star posted an impressive 97 runs off 51 balls against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. It was a remarkable innings from the young batsman, who faced a challenging bowling attack with Marco Jansen, Richard Gleesoni Liam Dawson. During his spectacular knock, he hit 6 sixes and 10 fours.
Praise from the England legend
Pretorius’ excellent performance received widespread praise, including praise from England’s Test captain Ben Stokes. The Christchurch-born cricketer singled out Pretorius as an example and stressed the importance of franchise cricket in giving young talent the chance to showcase their skills on major platforms.
One of the many things franchise cricket has done is give young/inexperienced but incredibly talented players opportunities on the biggest stage against the best in the world and show how good they are.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is doing it right now 👏— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) January 11, 2025
Who is Pretorius?
Born in Potchefstroom, Pretorius has quickly risen through the cricketing ranks from a schoolboy to a notable figure in professional cricket. Known for his aggressive yet calculated batting style, Pretorius has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike.
Early life and education
While still at school, Pretorius balanced his academics with cricket, waiting for his matric results as he entered the professional arena. His commitment to both education and sport underlines his discipline and dedication. He completed most of his high school education at St. Stithians, known for producing professional athletes. In his final year, he moved to Cornwall Hill in Pretoria. By then, Pretorius was already a member of the South African U19 national team.
Junior international cricket
Pretorius made his mark in the under-19 category. During the 2023–24 U19 World Cup, he was South Africa’s top run-scorer, amassing 287 runs in six matches, with three half-centuries to his name. This performance not only showcased his talent but also took South Africa to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Also READ: Ben Stokes reacts to Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ sensational strike on SA20 debut
National debut
Pretorius made his first-class debut with the Titans in December 2024, where he immediately showed his potential by scoring a century (120 runs) on debut, marking him as one to watch. The Titans eventually registered the victory and Pretorius earned the “Player of the Match”.
Impact of the SA20 league
His entry into the SA20 league with Paarl Royals was spectacular. On 11 January 2025, Pretorius almost stole the show with an explosive 97 runs off just 51 balls against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. His aggressive knock, with 10 fours and six sixes, was a testament to his ability to dominate right from the start.
Notably, Pretorius was included in the Paarl Royals squad for the second SA20 season in 2023–24. However, his participation in the 2023–24 South Africa Under-19 World Cup, where he was the team’s top goalscorer, prevented him from playing in the second SA20 season.
What’s next for Pretorius?
After his breakthrough performances, there is growing anticipation as to how Pretorius will continue to develop his game. With his impressive displays, he has captured the attention of fans and experts alike. His current form indicates that he is not simply a one-off talent, but someone who has the potential to establish himself as a consistent performer in the long run.
