On July 7, 2025, Wiaan Mulder etched his name into cricket history with a monumental unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, setting a new South African record for the highest individual Test score. The 27-year-old stand-in captain’s blistering knock, laced with 49 fours and four sixes off 334 balls, propelled South Africa to 626/5 before a surprising declaration at lunch on Day 2. Falling just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s iconic 400 not out, Mulder’s selfless decision sparked debates but cemented his legacy as a team-first leader and a batting powerhouse.
A Record-Breaking Innings in Bulawayo
Mulder’s marathon innings during the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting. Resuming Day 2 on 264 not out, Mulder wasted no time, racing to a triple century in just 297 balls—the second-fastest in Test history, trailing only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort against South Africa in 2008. His 350, reached in 324 balls, set a new record for the fastest in Test cricket, surpassing Matthew Hayden’s 402-ball mark. Mulder’s 367* not only eclipsed Hashim Amla’s 311* (against England, 2012) as South Africa’s highest Test score but also became the highest individual score in an away Test, overtaking Hanif Mohammad’s 337.
The innings was a spectacle of power and precision. Mulder hammered 49 fours—the second-most in a Test innings, behind John Edrich’s 52—and four sixes, exploiting Zimbabwe’s bowling attack after they opted to bowl first. A fortunate reprieve came on Day 1 when he was bowled on 247 by Tanaka Chivanga, only for a no-ball to keep him alive. From there, Mulder was chanceless, dominating with a strike rate of 109.88, one of only two triple centuries in Test history with a 100-plus strike rate. His 264 runs on Day 1 were the most by a South African in a single Test day, and his 131* in the final session ranked among the highest session aggregates ever.
The Decision to Declare: Team Over Glory
With South Africa at 626/5 and nearly four days remaining, Mulder stunned the cricketing world by declaring at lunch, 33 runs shy of Lara’s 400 not out, set against England in 2004. The decision, influenced by coach Shukri Conrad’s “old-school” philosophy of batting for four sessions, prioritized team strategy over personal milestones. Mulder later explained, “First things first, I thought we’d got enough and we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. For someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special.”
This selfless act drew parallels to Mark Taylor’s 1998 declaration on 334* to honor Don Bradman’s Australian record. While some fans on X lauded Mulder’s respect for Lara, others, like @Tabraiz_Shamsi, wondered if five more overs could have secured the record without harming South Africa’s dominant position. “It’s awesome that our bowlers are hitting their areas, but every time they take a wicket, I wonder if Wiaan could’ve batted for 5 more overs,” Shamsi posted. The declaration proved tactically sound, as South Africa reduced Zimbabwe to 15/3, with Codi Yusuf striking with the first ball.
Mulder’s Rise to Stardom
Mulder’s 367* was a defining moment in his 21-Test career. Promoted to No. 3 at the start of 2025, the all-rounder had faced scrutiny after a modest World Test Championship final against Australia. His redemption began in the first Test against Zimbabwe with 147 and 4/50, and his Bulawayo heroics—his third Test century—silenced doubters. As South Africa’s third captain in as many Tests due to injuries to Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, Mulder became the first batter to score a triple century on Test captaincy debut and set a record for the highest score by a captain in their first Test innings (surpassing Graham Dowling’s 239).
His innings also marked him as the 29th Test cricketer and second South African (after Amla) to score a triple century. Mulder’s 367* ranks fifth among Test cricket’s highest individual scores, behind Lara (400* and 375), Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374). It also surpassed Graeme Smith’s 362 aggregate (277 and 85) as the highest by a South African in a Test match.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
The cricketing world erupted on X, with @ESPNcricinfo posting, “Wiaan Mulder enters elite territory. His 367* is now the 5th highest individual score in Test cricket history 🫡,” and @ICC celebrating, “RECORD BREAKER 🤩 Wiaan Mulder enters the history books with a stunning 367* against Zimbabwe 👏.” Fans expressed mixed emotions, with @FanCode noting, “Mulder’s Gunning For Lara’s Record 🔥,” while others debated the declaration. “A selfless declaration, a knock for the ages 🙌,” wrote @ESPNcricinfo, capturing the sentiment of awe and surprise.
Context and Impact
Mulder’s knock came against a depleted Zimbabwe side, but its significance transcends the opposition. His 367* is the highest Test score in Zimbabwe, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s 270, and the third triple century in first-class cricket in the country. South Africa’s 626/5, with a run rate of 5.49, ranks among the fastest 600-plus Test totals. The innings also highlighted Mulder’s evolution from a lower-middle-order batter to a No. 3 anchor, answering critics who questioned his batting credentials after the WTC final.
Zimbabwe, bowled out for 170 and forced to follow on, ended Day 2 at 51/1, underscoring South Africa’s dominance. Mulder’s decision to declare ensured his bowlers had ample time to press for victory, reinforcing his leadership credentials.
Why This Innings Matters
Mulder’s 367* is more than a statistical marvel; it’s a testament to his growth as a cricketer and leader. By prioritizing team success over Lara’s record, he echoed the sportsmanship of cricketing greats while rewriting South African history. The innings, broadcast live on SuperSport and FanCode, has sparked global conversations about Test cricket’s enduring appeal and the balance between individual glory and collective goals. As South Africa eyes a series sweep, Mulder’s epic knock will be remembered as a defining moment of the 2025 season, with fans eagerly awaiting his next chapter.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 12:52 am by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 12:52 am | News Categories: Sports
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