Who Breaks Kallis’ Three-Decade Record: Lhuan-dre or de Kock?

News Desk

Islamabad: South Africa’s rising batting sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius has shattered Jacques Kallis’ three-decade-old record, becoming the youngest South African batter to score an ODI half-century during the opening Pakistan vs South Africa match in Faisalabad on Tuesday.

Kallis had held the milestone since 1996, when he struck a fifty at 20 years and 93 days against England in Durban. Pretorius, however, surpassed the legendary all-rounder by reaching his maiden ODI fifty at just 19 years and 222 days, rewriting an iconic chapter in South African cricket history.

Pretorius’ innings today further cemented his growing reputation as one of South Africa’s most exciting young talents. The left-hander first made headlines in Test cricket earlier this year when he hammered a remarkable 153 off 160 balls against Zimbabwe in July. Now, he has carried that fearless approach into the 50-over format with equal authority.

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Reaching his half-century off just 47 deliveries, Pretorius showcased a full range of aggressive strokes throughout his knock. He began confidently against Pakistan’s pace attack, dispatching early boundaries off Naseem Shah — including two in the bowler’s opening over. He later took on the spinners with similar intent, striking Salman Ali Agha for two fours and a six before completing his fifty with a composed single off Abrar Ahmed.

With this exceptional innings, Pretorius not only set the tone for South Africa’s strong start in the series opener but also etched his name into the national record books by breaking Jacques Kallis’ 30-year-old milestone as the youngest Proteas batter to score an ODI half-century.