Lhuan-dre Pretorius set a new world record for the highest individual score in men’s T20 cricket, scoring an unbeaten 188 for the Titans against the Knights on Friday. The 20-year-old’s performance at the Mangaung Oval came in the opening match of the 2026-27 CSA T20 Challenge.
Pretorius’s innings surpassed the previous world record of 175* held by Chris Gayle since 2013. He also broke the domestic South African record of 162 set by his teammate Dewald Brevis. Opening the batting, Pretorius reached his century in 40 balls and crossed 150 in 58 deliveries. His final score of 188* came off 79 balls, including 15 fours and 13 sixes.
By facing 79 deliveries, Pretorius now shares the record for the longest T20 innings by balls faced with Aaron Finch and Marcus Stoinis. The Titans finished their innings at 267 for three before dismissing the Knights for 143 to secure a 124-run win.
“So that’s our mindset, we go out there to hit the ball as hard as we possibly can, and I think that’s where T20 cricket is going at the moment,” Pretorius said after the match.
Analysis of the player’s recent form shows a high-scoring trajectory following the 2025 SA20 season and a century for South Africa against Namibia in September 2026. This performance further establishes his standing with the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL as he contends for a regular role in the national T20I side.
