South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder has etched his name in cricketing history with a jaw-dropping unbeaten 367, breaking Hashim Amla’s long-standing national record for the highest individual Test score. Yet, in a remarkable display of leadership, Mulder chose to declare the innings, walking away just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s world record.
The 27-year-old all-rounder produced the knock of a lifetime against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, battering the hosts’ bowling attack to all parts of the ground. His unbeaten 367 off just 297 balls now stands as the highest score by a South African in Test history, comfortably surpassing Amla’s 311 not out from 2012.
But it’s not just the sheer volume of runs that’s turning heads — it’s how Mulder did it.
His triple century came at blistering pace, the second-fastest in Test history, behind only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort in 2008. With aggressive strokeplay, clinical shot selection, and ice-cold composure, Mulder’s innings was nothing short of a masterclass.
And to top it off? This was his captaincy debut.
Cricket statisticians were left scrambling for the record books as Mulder became the first player ever to score a Test triple century in his debut innings as captain. At 27 years and 138 days, he also became the youngest Test captain to hit 300-plus, eclipsing Australia’s Bob Simpson.
Speaking after the innings, Mulder revealed his bold declaration was entirely intentional.
> “Records are special, but team success comes first,” Mulder told reporters. “We had enough on the board. It’s not every day you get a chance to bowl with the scoreboard pressure firmly on your side. Chasing personal milestones wasn’t the priority.”
His decision to declare at 687 for 4, still 33 short of Brian Lara’s legendary 400 not out, drew admiration and surprise in equal measure. Social media erupted with praise for Mulder’s selfless call, with many hailing it as a sign of maturity well beyond his years.
Cricket South Africa officials were quick to laud the all-rounder.
> “Wiaan’s innings was historic, but his leadership was even more impressive,” CSA’s Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, said. “To put the team ahead of personal glory — that’s what great captains do.”
Mulder’s historic knock, which included 42 boundaries and 6 sixes, has already been called one of the finest ever by a South African batter. And with his star rapidly on the rise, it seems South Africa may have found not just a prolific run-scorer, but a leader built for the long haul.
- The match continues with South Africa firmly in the driver’s seat, and with their new skipper leading by example, the Proteas faithful have every reason to believe this is just the beginning of something special
