Lhuan-dre Pretorius Century Guides Titans to Draw in 4-Day Series Final 2025

Lhuan-dre Pretorius Century Guides Titans to Dramatic Draw and 4-Day Series Title Share with Lions

The Division 1 4-Day Series 2024/25 concluded in the most dramatic fashion possible at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. The final day of the much-anticipated clash between Momentum Multiply Titans and DP World Lions had all the ingredients of classic red-ball cricket resilience, pressure, defiance, and ultimately, shared glory.

In a remarkable display of patience and skill, young left-hander Lhuan-dre Pretorius anchored the Titans’ second innings with a brilliant century to help his side secure a memorable draw against the Lions. That gritty effort ensured both teams were crowned joint winners of the 4-Day Series trophy, a fitting conclusion to a closely contested season.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius Century – The Turning Point Titans Needed

If there was a single performance that epitomized character and courage in this final, it had to be Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ fighting knock. Walking into Day 5 on 30 not out, the talented southpaw knew his side was in trouble. Titans had resumed the day on 118/3, trailing the Lions by a daunting 172 runs, still needing to bat out almost an entire day to avoid defeat.

Pretorius rose to the occasion with the kind of maturity beyond his years. Displaying a flawless defensive technique, sharp game awareness, and calculated shot selection, he soaked up pressure ball after ball. Batting for over five hours, Pretorius notched up a magnificent 114 from 209 balls, laced with 13 boundaries.

His third career century wasn’t just about runs it was about belief. It inspired those around him to fight alongside him in what seemed an impossible situation.

Support Cast Shines – Petersen and Moonsamy Dig Deep

While Pretorius was the heartbeat of the innings, equally crucial roles were played by seasoned campaigner Keegan Petersen and the ever-dependable Rivaldo Moonsamy. Their partnerships with Pretorius were key to Titans surviving the day.

Petersen, known for his technique and ability to soak up pressure, contributed a crucial 75 off 169 deliveries. His partnership of 75 with Pretorius for the fourth wicket steadied the innings when the Titans were in a delicate situation.

But the most defining stand came between Pretorius and Moonsamy. Their 140-run partnership for the fifth wicket not only wiped off the deficit but also tilted the momentum slightly in favour of the visitors. Moonsamy’s own 79 from 195 balls, decorated with 16 boundaries, was a masterclass in concentration.

Fortuin's Marathon Spell Keeps Lions in the Hunt

While the Titans were scripting a great escape, Lions left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin was doing everything in his power to break their resistance. In what will go down as one of the most courageous spells of his career, Fortuin bowled an astonishing 48 overs on the final day.

His figures of 5 for 123 were a testament to his relentless accuracy and perseverance. Fortuin removed both Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo in quick succession late in the final session, sparking hopes of a Lions victory.

But time and bad light combined to deny the hosts, and despite reducing Titans to 371 all out leading by just 81 runs the umpires called off play due to poor visibility.

Titans Triumph in Spirit, Lions Proud in Battle

While the records will show the 4-Day Series 2024/25 as being shared between the Momentum Multiply Titans and DP World Lions, it’s safe to say that Titans emerged with enormous pride. Entering Day 5 with the odds firmly stacked against them, their fightback will be remembered as one of the most courageous in recent South African domestic cricket history.

On the flip side, Lions will rue the rain-affected sessions that took time away from their charge. Losing four sessions due to weather conditions meant they had limited time to force a result, despite dominating large parts of the game.

Building Blocks for South African Cricket’s Future

The conclusion of the Division 1 4-Day Series wasn’t just about a trophy it was about the rise of players like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy, and Keegan Petersen showcasing the kind of temperament needed for higher honours.

With Test cricket demanding a mix of patience, skill, and mental toughness, performances like these are invaluable for the South African cricket pipeline. For the Titans, the resilience shown under immense pressure speaks volumes about their team culture and preparation.

Equally, Lions’ aggressive approach, led by Fortuin’s tireless effort, reflected their hunger and desire to win.

Final Thoughts – A Fitting End to a Memorable 4-Day Series

When two proud teams battle it out in a traditional format with everything on the line, and the game ends with both sides earning mutual respect, cricket as a sport wins.

The Titans’ draw, achieved under extreme pressure, not only secured them a share of the 4-Day Series title but also underlined the timeless beauty of first-class cricket. It wasn’t about flashing boundaries or aggressive run-rates. It was about grit, focus, and playing for the team.

For fans, players, and coaches alike, this was a reminder that South Africa’s domestic cricket continues to produce talents ready to step up on the big stage.