South African stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder made a remarkable decision on Monday, declaring his team’s innings at 626/5 during the second Test against Zimbabwe. Despite being within touching distance of Brian Lara’s iconic record for the highest individual score, Mulder remained unbeaten on a monumental 367 runs off 334 balls at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
Why didn’t Wiaan Mulder go after Brian Lara’s historic Test record?
Mulder articulated his reasoning post-stumps, emphasizing a team-first philosophy. “First things first, I thought we got enough and we need to bowl,” he stated, highlighting the tactical imperative. He also expressed profound respect for the legendary West Indian batsman. “Brian Lara is a legend… for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special,” Mulder remarked, as quoted by AFP. Head coach Shukri Conrad reportedly advised him to “let the legends keep the really big scores.” Mulder indicated no regrets, suggesting he’d likely make the same choice again, reinforcing his commitment to collective success.
Mulder’s Herculean effort of 367 not out has firmly etched his name in South African cricket history. This innings now stands as the highest individual score ever achieved by a South African in Test cricket, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311. Additionally, it marks the highest score by a South African in an away Test match, adding another layer of distinction.
Mulder takes a selfless call
The pace at which Mulder accumulated his runs was equally impressive, reaching his triple century in a mere 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history. Despite this monumental and rapid score, Mulder consistently downplayed personal statistics. His focus remained squarely on the team’s objectives. “You never know what’s my fate… But I think Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be,” he mused, prioritizing the game’s records and team needs above individual accolades.
Adding to his unique achievement, the 37-year-old Mulder became the first player in Test history to score a triple hundred on his captaincy debut. This extraordinary feat immediately places him in an exclusive club. His rapid triple century, achieved in 297 deliveries, is only surpassed by the explosive Indian opener Virender Sehwag, who reached the milestone in a blistering 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai back in 2008. The comparison to Sehwag further highlights the exceptional nature of Mulder’s innings.
Tabraiz Shamsi believes Wiaan Mulder should have carried on and broken Brian Lara’s 400-run record 🙌🏏#ZIMvSA #WiaanMulder #SouthAfrica #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/seKK9feWgm
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 7, 2025
Also READ: From Brian Lara to Wiaan Mulder – Top 5 highest individual scores in Test cricket history
South Africa’s dominance over Zimbabwe continues
South Africa entered the second Test leading the series 1-0, having secured a massive 328-run victory in the first Test in Bulawayo. Mulder’s strategic declaration at 626/5 was aimed at maximizing bowling time to secure a series-clinching win, rather than allowing him to chase a personal record that might have consumed valuable overs.
In reply to South Africa’s first innings total, Zimbabwe collapsed dramatically for 170 in their first essay, falling significantly short of the follow-on target. Forced to bat again, they concluded Day 2 at 51 for one in their second innings, still trailing by a daunting 405 runs. The hosts now face an immense challenge to avert an innings defeat, as South Africa holds a commanding position, poised for a decisive victory.
Also READ: Top 5 highest individual scores for South Africa in Test cricket ft. Wiaan Mulder
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