RISING STAR LHUAN-DRE PRETORIUS AIMS TO BUILD ON RECORD-BREAKING BETWAY SA20 DEBUT

Lhuan-dre Pretorius introduced himself to Betway SA20 with a short-arm hook over fine leg that sailed deep into the stands off Marco Jansen.

He followed it up by bashing Aiden Markram bang over his head into the sightscreen.

Jansen being arguably the premier allrounder in world cricket and Markram the current Proteas T20I captain did not faze Pretorius. The fearlessness of youth knows no bounds.  It proved to be the catalyst for the teenage prodigy to enjoy a wonderful maiden Betway SA20 season, with his 397 runs topping the competition’s individual batting chart.

The likelihood of the opposition bowling units being caught off again is slim though. Research and analysis on Pretorius’ most common modes of dismissal would have been done and methods devised to execute these tactics.

There is a reason why second syndrome is much more than just an urban legend.

But Pretorius feels forewarned is forearmed.

“I am really excited for Season 4 of Betway SA20. Obviously last season was a really good season for me, I am really chuffed about it,” he said ahead of the opener against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“But this season is a new season. Basically, I’m really grateful for Betway SA20 because that’s where my short career started. And that’s where everything really happened for me after the Betway SA20.

“There is obviously a bit more pressure and expectation leading into the new season, but we’ve been here for a few days, and I can’t wait to get going.

“One of our coaches just said that there’s no expectation. I should just play like I’m a 10-year-old me and just go out there and enjoy it.”

Part of Pretorius’ development lies in his ability to adapt his game outside the Powerplay, particularly at Boland Park. 

The left-hander has routinely dominated the first six overs due his bludgeoning power, but he knows to achieve consistent success at the Winelands venue, he will have to broaden his options during the middle period. 

“The Powerplay is the best time to bat here,” Pretorius said. “In the middle, we calculated the run-rate during overs 7-15, the run-rate is between 6 and 7, so to capitalise on the Powerplay by not losing too many wickets is crucial.

“In the middle, hitting the ball hard on the ground, because the ball of course doesn’t fly as much here as it does on the Highveld as I’m used to.”

Despite being born-and-bred on the Highveld, Pretorius has fast become a fan-favourite at Boland Park due to his batting exploits. 

The affection is certainly mutual with the Pretorius drawing energy from their presence. 

“The Boland Park crowd is close to my heart,” he said. “I am super excited. The fans are unique.” 

Pretorius need wait not much longer with the Royals set to host the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Boland Park on Saturday (5:30pm start).