Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ reputation was elevated even further on Monday, after the teenage star struck a match-saving century to help the Titans share the CSA 4-Day Series with the Lions at the Wanderers.
Batting resiliently for over five hours, Pretorius notched his third century of the season, scoring a pivotal 114 runs that anchored his side to safety and salvaged what seemed to be an impending defeat.
The 19-year-old showed an impressive range of skills that defied the early perceptions of him as merely a white-ball player, which was on full-colour HD display in the Betway SA20 earlier this year.
The final day had its fair share of drama and high emotions. The intensity peaked after an on-field altercation between Dewald Brevis and Bjorn Fortuin, stirring the Lions’ hopes for a victory on Sunday.
However, when play resumed on Monday, the initial fervour seemed to wane, with both sides exhibiting a more subdued demeanour. Gone was the hostility from the previous day, and as the match progressed, it became clear that the Lions were unable to reproduce the consistency and pressure they had managed earlier.
Despite having dominated much of the first half of the match, they faltered upon the resumption. The Titans, buoyed by the late-night confrontation, showcased resilience in their batting as Keegan Petersen and Pretorius settled into their roles with little movement evident from the pitch for the seamers.
Fortuin, with his crafty left-arm spin, managed only a fleeting chance to influence the game when he found Pretorius’ edge. However, Joshua Richards at short-leg faltered, failing to capitalise on what should have been a straightforward catch with the young left-hander on just 20.
Once again, Pretorius showcased an admirable concentration and defensive technique, turning the match into a battle of attrition.
The morning session of day four saw the Titans assert their dominance, culminating in a formidable 140-run partnership for the fifth wicket, courtesy of Rivaldo Moonsamy, who himself scored a commendable 75 runs.
It was only the brilliant wicketkeeping of Conor Esterhuizen that provided the Lions with a semblance of control, stumping Petersen for 75 off medium pacer Delano Potgieter’s delivery.
Despite the late resilience shown by Fortuin, who captured three wickets in a frenzied finish, the Lions’ hopes for a second consecutive trophy were dashed as the Titans reached 371 all out under ominous lighting conditions at the Memorial Stand, which left the Lions pondering what might have been after dominating for the majority of the match.
CSA Four-Day Series Final scorers
Lions: 413/7
Titans: 123 and 371 all out
Pretorius 114, Petersen 75, Moonsamy 79, Fortuin 5/123
Match drawn. CSA 4-Day Serie championship shared between the Lions and Titans.
