India’s 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Rajasthan Royals (RR) teammate, South Africa’s Lhuan-dre Pretorius has become the youngest batter to score a century in Major League Cricket (MLC) history. 20-year-old Pretorius slammed his maiden T20 hundred for San Francisco Unicorns' successful run chase against MI New York at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.
In the run chase of 144, Pretorius made a statement by taking on Trent Boult in the first over, hitting him for two fours and a six. Pretorius was given out lbw in the second over off Romario Shepherd's bowling. But, he used the DRS and the decision was reversed. In powerplay overs, Pretorius and Finn Allen posted 52 runs on the board. Just after the powerplay overs, Allen lost his wicket to Shepherd.
In the 10th over, Pretorius reached his fifty from 30 balls. On the other hand, Unicorns skipper Matthew Shor struggled to rotate strike. In the 15th over, Boult returned and Pretorius hit him for four fours. In the 16th over, he hit Rushil Ugarkar for a six and a four to get to his maiden T20 hundred.
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Pretorius remained unbeaten for 102 off 52 balls, featuring 10 fours and five sixes. On the other end, Short remained unbeaten for 19 off 25 balls. Unicorns chased down the total win nine wickets in hand and 26 balls to spare.
Short takes 3-fer, pacers finish well
Earlier, Short claimed a three-fer, Haris Rauf and Aaron Hardie took two wickets apiece as MI New York managed to post 143/9. Opener Ryan Rickelton top-scored for them with a 21-ball 35. Pooran struggled and scored just 19 runs from 24 balls, playing too many dot balls.
Pretorius batted with opening partner Allen’s bat
Pretorius was named ‘Player of the match’ for his maiden T20 ton.
“I was actually using Finn's bat. I think if I used my own bat I wouldn't be able to hit those big sixes. I'll ask him now nicely if I can have the bat and keep it in my bag,” the young Proteas batter said with a smile.
Before Pretorius, the record for youngest centurion in MLC belonged to Australia opener Mitchell Owen who scored 155 for Washington Freedom against MI New York last month.
Pretorius leads the charts
Pretorius is MLC's 11th centurion and fifth this season. He is also the leading run-scorer in MLC 2026, amassing 415 runs at an average of 69.16 and strike rate of 182.01. He has scored four fifties in the season as well.