Wiaan Mulder Declares on 367, Misses Lara’s Record
Wiaan Mulder, South Africa’s stand-in Test captain, stunned the cricket world by declaring the innings while unbeaten on 367 runs — just 33 runs away from breaking Brian Lara’s all-time highest individual Test score of 400*. Mulder made the bold decision with South Africa on 626/5 against Zimbabwe in the second Test at Bulawayo.
Mulder’s marathon knock featured 49 fours and four sixes and has already earned him a place in Test cricket history. His 367* is the highest individual Test score by a South African, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311* made against England in 2012. It is also the highest Test score ever recorded by a captain on debut and the highest by any batter in an away Test.
A Historic Debut as Captain
Taking over the captaincy after injuries sidelined both Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj, the 27-year-old all-rounder turned his first Test as skipper into a historic showcase. On Day 1 alone, Mulder set the record for the most runs scored by a South African batter in a single day of a Test match.
He also broke England’s Graham Gooch’s long-standing record of 333 for the highest Test score by a captain, etching his name among the top five Test scores of all time.
While some may question his decision not to chase down Lara’s iconic 400*, Mulder’s focus on the team over personal milestones has drawn admiration. The declaration put South Africa in a commanding position, prioritizing match control over records.
This incredible innings from Mulder has not only set new national and global benchmarks but also marks the rise of a new leader in South African cricket.
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