Lhuan-dre Pretorius has rewritten the record books after smashing an unbeaten 188 for the Titans against the Knights in Bloemfontein – the highest individual score in men’s T20 cricket.

The 20-year-old produced a remarkable display of power hitting at Mangaung Oval, blasting 188 not out from just 79 deliveries, including 15 fours and 13 sixes.

His innings surpassed the long-standing record of 175 not out set by Chris Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in the IPL in 2013.

Gayle’s record had stood for more than 13 years, but Pretorius moved beyond the West Indian great as the Titans piled up 267/3 from their 20 overs.

Pretorius takes over

Pretorius dominated the Titans innings from the top of the order.

He and Sinethemba Qeshile put together a 112-run opening partnership before Qeshile departed for 14.

Dewald Brevis followed for seven and Leus du Plooy contributed 17, but the wickets did little to slow Pretorius down.

He continued attacking the Knights bowling throughout the innings and eventually finished unbeaten alongside Donovan Ferreira, who struck 29 not out from 11 balls.

Pretorius’ 28 boundaries accounted for 138 of his 188 runs, while he finished with a strike rate of 237.97.

The innings also took him beyond the previous highest T20 score by a South African, held by his Titans teammate Brevis, who smashed 162 off 57 balls against the Knights in 2022.

Another milestone for Pretorius

It continues an impressive period for one of South African cricket’s brightest young batting talents.

Pretorius has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young batters in the country, and his latest innings has now placed his name at the top of the global T20 record books.

To move beyond a record held by Gayle for more than a decade makes the achievement even more significant.

Titans complete dominant victory

The Knights were left needing 268 to win and never seriously threatened the Titans’ total.

Gihahn Cloete top-scored with 39 from 25 balls, while Gerrit Snyman struck a rapid 32 from 12.

Regular wickets prevented the Knights from building the partnerships required for such a huge chase.

Donovan Ferreira claimed 3/16 from four overs, Tabraiz Shamsi took 2/23, while Carl Dala finished with three wickets as the Knights were bowled out for 143 in 17.2 overs.

The Titans completed a massive 124-run victory, but the night belonged to Pretorius.

At just 20 years old, Lhuan-dre Pretorius now sits at the top of the list for the highest individual score in men’s T20 cricket.

188 not out. A new world record.