HAMPSHIRE Hawks have signed 18 year old South African wicket keeper-batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius for the 2025 men’s Vitality Blast.

Pretorius, who turns 19 next month, lit up the 2025 SA20 where he scored 397 runs – the most in the competition – as Paarl Royals reached the knockout stages.

His exploits captured the attention of England men’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, who shared his praise on social media.

 “It’s a real honour to play for Hampshire Hawks in this year’s Vitality Blast as my first experience of playing cricket in England," said Pretorius.

“The team is full of exciting names, whom I look forward to playing alongside and sharing a dressing room with as we look to lift the trophy.”

Before the SA20, Pretorius was South Africa’s leading run scorer at the 2024 men’s U19 World Cup with 287 runs in just six innings where he surpassed 50 three times.

On debut for Paarl Royals, he blasted his career-best score T20 of 97 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape who are coached by Hampshire head coach Adi Birrell, and feature Hawks all- rounder Liam Dawson.

Giles White, director of cricket, said: “Lhuan-dre impressed with his batting during the recent SA20 and played a number of eye-catching innings against some of the best bowlers in the world.

“He’s a special talent with a big future, and we are delighted that he is joining us for this year’s Vitality Blast.”

Hampshire Hawks get their men’s Vitality Blast campaign underway with a double-header at Utilita Bowl on Friday, May 30 against Essex.