When you think of South African cricket, names like Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, and Dale Steyn often dominate the conversation. But tucked into the modern era of Proteas cricket is another name worth remembering—Dwaine Pretorius. A bowling allrounder with a big heart and a never-give-up attitude, Pretorius quietly carved a career across formats, including international cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Whether it was his handy lower-order batting, clever fast-medium bowling, or calm presence under pressure, Pretorius became a reliable option for South Africa. Let’s dive into his story, stats, and the legacy he left behind.
Who Is Dwaine Pretorius?
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Full Name: Dwaine Pretorius
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Born: March 29, 1989 (Age: 36 years)
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Birthplace: Randfontein, South Africa
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Height: —
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Role: Bowling Allrounder
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Batting Style: Right-Handed Bat
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Bowling Style: Right-arm Fast-Medium
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Country: South Africa
Pretorius wasn’t just another cricketer who came and went. He was a late bloomer, making his international debut in his late 20s, but he made every chance count. Known for his accuracy with the ball and fearless batting, he earned respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Dwaine Pretorius: Batting Career Stats
Even though he was primarily a bowler, Pretorius could swing the bat when his team needed runs. His batting wasn’t flashy, but it was effective—especially in limited-overs cricket.
Test Cricket
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Matches: 3
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Innings: 6
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Runs: 83
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Highest Score: 37
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Average: 13.83
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Strike Rate: 50.93
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Fours: 13 | Sixes: 1
Pretorius’s short Test career showed glimpses of his fighting spirit, even though he never had the chance to settle into the format.
ODI Cricket
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Matches: 27
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Innings: 13
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Runs: 192
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Highest Score: 50
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Average: 16.00
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Strike Rate: 85.72
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Fours: 14 | Sixes: 5
That lone half-century remains a reminder of his ability to step up when the team needed depth in batting.
T20 International Cricket
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Matches: 30
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Innings: 17
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Runs: 261
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Highest Score: 77
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Average: 21.75
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Strike Rate: 164.16
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Fours: 22 | Sixes: 15
This is where Pretorius really shined. A strike rate of over 160 shows his fearlessness and value as a finisher. His 77-run knock proved he could turn games around with the bat.
IPL Batting Stats
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Matches: 7
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Runs: 44
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Highest Score: 22
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Strike Rate: 157.15
Though his IPL stint was short, he brought the same intent—hitting sixes and providing late-order cameos.
Dwaine Pretorius: Bowling Career Stats
Pretorius’s main weapon was the ball. He wasn’t the fastest bowler in the world, but his consistency and clever variations made him dangerous—especially in T20 cricket.
Test Cricket
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Matches: 3
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Wickets: 7
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Best Bowling: 2/26
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Average: 36.00
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Economy: 3.15
Though his Test career was brief, he bowled with discipline and often broke partnerships.
ODI Cricket
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Matches: 27
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Wickets: 35
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Best Bowling: 4/36
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Average: 27.06
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Economy: 4.97
In ODIs, Pretorius was reliable with the ball, often keeping things tight in the middle overs.
T20 International Cricket
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Matches: 30
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Wickets: 35
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Best Bowling: 5/17
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Average: 19.89
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Economy: 8.29
This is where Pretorius truly made his mark. His 5/17 is one of the standout bowling performances for South Africa in T20Is. He was often the go-to bowler in crunch moments.
IPL Bowling Stats
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Matches: 7
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Wickets: 6
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Best Bowling: 2/30
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Economy: 9.52
In the IPL, Pretorius was used as a utility bowler—someone who could bowl tough overs and chip in with wickets.
Career Timeline: From Debut to Farewell
Pretorius’s career may not have been as long as some legends, but every match was played with full commitment.
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ODI Debut: vs Ireland, September 25, 2016 at Willowmoore Park
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Test Debut: vs England, December 26, 2019 at SuperSport Park
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T20I Debut: vs England, June 21, 2017 at The Rose Bowl
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IPL Debut: vs Lucknow Super Giants, March 31, 2022 at Brabourne Stadium
His last appearances came in 2022 and 2023 across formats before he stepped away from the international stage.
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Last ODI: vs England, July 24, 2022 at Headingley
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Last Test: vs England, January 24, 2020 at The Wanderers Stadium
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Last T20I: vs India, October 04, 2022 at Holkar Cricket Stadium
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Last IPL Match: vs Mumbai Indians, April 08, 2023 at Wankhede Stadium
Why Dwaine Pretorius Stood Out
So, what made Pretorius special despite not having decades-long stats like other Proteas stars?
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Versatility – He could bat, bowl, and field with commitment.
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Fearless T20 Hitter – A strike rate over 160 in T20Is is proof of his clean-hitting ability.
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Reliable Middle-Overs Bowler – His economy in ODIs was under 5, showing his discipline.
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Clutch Performer – That 5/17 in T20Is will always be remembered.
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Late Bloomer, Big Impact – Even though he started late, he made his years count.
Pretorius in the IPL
The IPL is never easy for overseas allrounders, but Pretorius left an impression during his stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gave balance to the team, even though he played only a handful of matches.
Also Read : Dimuth Karunaratne Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Legacy and Influence
Pretorius may not have the numbers of a Kallis or the fame of a de Villiers, but his journey is inspiring. He proved that hard work, persistence, and adaptability can earn you a respected place in international cricket.
For young cricketers, Pretorius stands as a role model—a player who didn’t give up despite setbacks and carved out a place for himself in one of the toughest cricketing environments.
Final Thoughts
Dwaine Pretorius’s cricket career is a reminder that impact isn’t always about how long you play—it’s about how well you use the opportunities you get. From Randfontein to representing South Africa on the global stage, Pretorius lived the dream of every aspiring cricketer.
His stats tell one part of the story, but his resilience, professionalism, and contributions in high-pressure moments define his true legacy.
As South Africa moves forward with new talent, Pretorius’s name will remain etched as a dependable allrounder who gave his all every time he stepped on the field.
