Who breaks Kallis’ three-decade record: Lhuan-dre Pretorius or Quinton de Kock?

ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s emerging batting star Lhuan-dre Pretorius has broken 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 ODI in Faisalabad on Tuesday.

Kallis had held the milestone since 1996 after striking a fifty at 20 years and 93 days against England in Durban. Pretorius, however, surpassed the legendary all-rounder by reaching his maiden ODI half-century at just 19 years and 222 days, rewriting the Proteas’ record books.

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Pretorius’ knock today was a continuation of his remarkable rise in international cricket. The left-hander earlier burst onto the Test scene with a 160-ball 153 against Zimbabwe in July this year, and has now carried the same fearless approach into the 50-over format.

He reached his fifty off 47 deliveries, showcasing an array of aggressive strokes. The youngster launched his innings with early boundaries off Naseem Shah — two of them coming in the pacer’s opening over — before targeting spin as well. He struck Salman Ali Agha for two fours and a six, eventually bringing up his milestone with a single off Abrar Ahmed.

With this innings, Pretorius not only gave South Africa a strong start but also etched his name in national cricket history by breaking Jacques Kallis’ 30-year-old record for the youngest Proteas player to score an ODI fifty.