Lhuan-dre Pretorius hits century on Test debut help Proteas recover against Zimbabwe

The 19-year-old Pretorius, on debut and who came in at number five, struck a belligerent 153 off 160 balls while Corbin Bosch also scored a maiden Test hundred to be unbeaten at the close of play.

Another debutant Dewald Brevis scored an entertaining 51 off just 41 deliveries that helped the Proteas recover after Zimbabwe dominated the first session after stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj had won the toss and opted to bat.

It was seamer Tanaka Chivanga (4-83) who did the early damage for the hosts, removing opening pair Tony De Zorzi (0) and Matthew Breetzke (18) to leave the Proteas on 21-2.

Chivanga continued his excellent start when he had David Bedingham caught in the slips for a duck before Wiaan Mulder (17) was run-out from a direct-hit off his own bowling from paceman Blessing Muzarabani.

Pretorius and Brevis, two young South African batters touted for a big future in international cricket, took the Proteas to the lunch break on 90-4.

The duo, who both have already played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), continued to attack after the interval and extended their partnership to 95.

Brevis was dismissed just after getting to his fifty, mistiming short-ball from Muzarabani to be caught at mid-off before Kyle Verreynne was snaffled at slip off spinner Wellington Masakadza to leave the Proteas on 181-6.

Pretorius reached his century just before the tea interval with Bosch in his company and pair added an invaluable 108 for the seventh wicket.

The left-handed Pretorius was eventually dismissed in the final session after passing the 150-run milestone with Chivanga again making the breakthrough.

Maharaj struck a quick-fire 21 while a third Proteas debutant, Codi Yusuf, scored 27 while Bosch was continuing on his merry way at the other end.

Bosch, who scored 81 not out in only other Test appearance against Pakistan, brought up his hundred in the final over of the day's play and together with Kwena Maphaka (9 not out) made sure the visitors will rest well ahead of the second day.