In a display of sheer batting brilliance, Wiaan Mulder etched his name into the annals of cricket history with an unbeaten 367 in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, on July 7, 2025. Leading a depleted South African side as stand-in captain, Mulder’s monumental knock not only secured a commanding position for the Proteas but also shattered multiple records, cementing his status as a rising star in world cricket.
A Historic Innings Unfolds
South Africa, missing key players like Keshav Maharaj and Temba Bavuma due to injuries, faced Zimbabwe in what was expected to be a closely fought series. However, Mulder, stepping into the captaincy role for the first time in only his 21st Test, turned the game into a one-sided affair. Batting at number three, he walked out after the early loss of opener Tony de Zorzi and immediately took control. His innings began with a blend of caution and aggression, steadily building partnerships that demoralized the Zimbabwean bowling attack.
By the end of Day 1, Mulder was unbeaten on 264, already the second-highest individual score on an opening day of a Test, trailing only Don Bradman’s 309 in 1930. His 131 runs in the post-tea session alone were a testament to his dominance, marking the seventh-highest runs scored in a single session in Test history. On Day 2, Mulder continued his onslaught, reaching his triple century in just 297 balls—the second-fastest in Test history, behind only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort in 2008.
Mulder’s 367, scored off 334 balls with 49 fours and four sixes, carried South Africa to a colossal 626/5 before he declared at lunch. The decision to declare, just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s iconic 400 not out, sparked debate among fans and pundits. However, Mulder’s post-match comments to South African broadcaster SuperSport revealed his selflessness: “First, I thought we’d got enough runs to bowl them out twice. And second, Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of his stature to keep that record feels right.” This gesture underscored Mulder’s team-first mentality and respect for cricket’s history.
Records Shattered in Bulawayo
Mulder’s innings was a record-breaking spree that reverberated across the cricketing world. Here are some of the milestones he achieved:
- Highest individual score in an away Test: Mulder surpassed Hanif Mohammad’s 337 (against West Indies, 1958) to claim the record for the highest individual score in an away Test match.
- South Africa’s highest Test score: His 367 eclipsed Hashim Amla’s 311 not out (against England, 2012), making him the second South African to score a Test triple century.
- Youngest captain to score a triple century: At 27 years and 138 days, Mulder broke Bob Simpson’s 61-year-old record as the youngest Test captain to achieve the feat.
- Highest score by a South African captain: He overtook Graeme Smith’s 277 (against England, 2003) to set a new benchmark for Proteas skippers.
- Second-fastest triple century: Mulder’s 300 off 297 balls trailed only Sehwag’s 278-ball mark, with a strike rate of 109.88—the highest among all Test triple-centurions.
- Most boundaries in a Test innings: His 49 fours were the second-most in a single Test innings, behind John Edrich’s 52 in 1965.
- First triple century in Zimbabwe: Mulder’s knock was the first Test triple century on Zimbabwean soil, surpassing Kumar Sangakkara’s 270 (Bulawayo, 2004).
Additionally, Mulder’s 264 runs on Day 1 were the most by a South African in a single day’s play, and his partnerships—184 with David Bedingham (82) and 217 with Lhuan-dre Pretorius (78)—set a blistering pace, with the latter stand achieving a run rate of 7.03, the highest for any 200-plus partnership in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe’s Struggles and South Africa’s Dominance
Zimbabwe, opting to bowl first, were left reeling as their bowling attack, led by Tanaka Chivanga and Kundai Matigimu, struggled to contain Mulder’s onslaught. The absence of key pacer Blessing Muzarabani further weakened their attack, and all bowlers conceded over 100 runs in their spells. Mulder’s aggressive approach, particularly against spinners like Wellington Masakadza, saw him dispatch deliveries to all parts of the ground with ease.
After South Africa’s declaration, Mulder turned his attention to bowling, picking up two wickets as Zimbabwe were bundled out for 170 in their first innings. Enforcing the follow-on, the Proteas reduced Zimbabwe to 51/1 by stumps on Day 2, still trailing by 405 runs. Corbin Bosch, another standout performer, complemented Mulder’s efforts with his bowling, while debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed with his fluent 78.
A Star Is Born
Mulder’s performance was not just a statistical marvel but a statement of intent. Previously seen as a promising all-rounder with modest returns—averaging 25 with the bat and 35 with the ball in Tests—his 367 not out showcased his ability to dominate at the highest level. His leadership, too, was exemplary, guiding a young South African side with confidence despite the absence of stalwarts like Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram.
The Bulawayo Test has placed South Africa in pole position to seal a 2-0 series whitewash, following their 328-run victory in the first Test, where Mulder scored 147 and Bosch claimed a century and a five-wicket haul. For Zimbabwe, the series has exposed their vulnerabilities, particularly in bowling depth and batting resilience, with Craig Ervine and Masakadza’s partnership in the first Test being a rare highlight.
Legacy of Mulder’s Knock
Mulder’s decision to prioritize team victory over personal glory has drawn comparisons to cricketing greats who placed collective success above individual records. While some fans, like X user @Shoaib_Jatt, expressed disappointment at his choice to declare, others, including @CricIndeed and @The_Gandhian0, hailed the innings as a historic moment for South African cricket. His knock not only rewrote record books but also signaled the emergence of a new leader for the Proteas in red-ball cricket.
As the Test progresses, all eyes will be on whether South Africa can convert their dominance into a comprehensive victory. For now, Mulder’s 367 stands as a towering achievement, one that will be remembered as one of the greatest Test innings ever played. In Bulawayo, a new chapter in South African cricket has been written, and Wiaan Mulder is its author.
Last Updated on: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 10:10 am by Puneeth Kamalapuram | Published by: Puneeth Kamalapuram on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 10:10 am | News Categories: News