Drama unfolded at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Day 1 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Actually, a massive controversy erupted after a viral video showed Zimbabwean players fuming over an umpiring decision involving South Africa’s 19-year-old debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius that changed the entire course of the Test match.
The incident unfolded in the 25th over, when Zimbabwe pacer Tanaka Chivanga bowled from around the wicket and managed to get a clear inside edge off Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ bat. The ball was cleanly taken by the wicketkeeper, Tafadzwa Tsiga, and the entire Zimbabwe team erupted in celebration.
But the on-field umpire shockingly refused to raise his finger. With no DRS in place for the ongoing two-match Test series, the Zimbabwe team was forced to accept the call. Later, a stump mic picked up one of Zimbabwe’s frustrated players telling Lhuan-dre Pretorius that he should have walked off as it was “clearly out” and putting the entire blame on the Proteas debutant.
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The video of that moment has now gone viral, sparking heated debate on social media over fair play and umpiring standards. At the time of the controversial call, Pretorius had scored just 30, and South Africa was struggling at 68/4. Zimbabwe had their moment, but the poor umpiring let the match slip away from their hands against South Africa.
“You’ve got to walk for that” ?️ #ZIMvSA Pretorius survives, somehow. ? pic.twitter.com/RGA7J161Pf
— Richard Faasen (@RichFaasen) June 28, 2025Lhuan-dre Pretorius reflects on his magical debut ton
Well, Pretorious turned the controversy into a historic knock. He went on to score a sensational 153 off 160 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes against Zimbabwe. He became the youngest South African to score a century on his Test debut and the youngest debutant in Test history to score 150.
The young South African batter was all smiles after his stunning century on debut, saying it was amazing and it had not sunk in yet. Pretorius admitted that he was nervous at the start, but teammate Wiaan Mulder helped him settle. With Zimbabwe fielding just two seamers, the debutant said that his plan was clear: to attack the spinners and take control.
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It was special scoring a ton after coming in at 22/3: Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Lhuan-dre Pretorius said after the end of Day 1’s play, “It's amazing. I don't think it has sunk in yet. It was special scoring a ton after coming in at 22/3; it was a real dream come true. I was nervous when I came in, but Wiaan calmed me down. We knew they only had two seamers, and the plan was to take on their spinners and hit them out of the attack.”
On being asked about when Pretorius knew he was set to make his debut in Zimbabwe, the 19-year-old revealed he got the call to join the squad just a week ago. He signed off by saying, “It was real quick. I got a call a week ago, had a couple of nets, and here I am. I love batting, and it worked out for me. Glad that today is over. It's a dream come true, and for my family and my parents to be here, it makes it special.”
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