Wiaan Mulder Smashes Historic 367* to Become South Africa’s Highest Test Run-Scorer
Bulawayo, July 7 — Wiaan Mulder has etched his name in cricket history with a monumental, unbeaten 367 in the ongoing second Test match against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Captaining the South African Test side for the first time in place of Keshav Maharaj, the 27-year-old all-rounder delivered a once-in-a-generation innings that now stands as the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket.
A Knock for the Ages
Coming in at a precarious 24/2 on Day 1, Mulder displayed composure, maturity, and raw brilliance under pressure. With early inroads made by Tanaka Chivanga and Wellington Masakadza, South Africa looked vulnerable. But Mulder’s counterattack turned the tide, and what followed was a relentless batting masterclass.
By stumps on Day 1, Mulder had already notched up a stunning 264 not out — the highest single-day total ever by a South African in Test cricket, and second-most runs in a single day globally on an opening day.
Record-Breaking Feats on Day 2
Resuming Day 2 with determination, Mulder wasted no time reaching the 300-run mark off just 297 deliveries, making it the second-fastest triple century in the history of Test cricket at the time. He joins Hashim Amla as only the second South African to hit a Test triple hundred.
At lunch on Day 2, Mulder stood tall on 367 not out, surpassing Amla’s record of 311 against England in 2012*, now owning the highest individual score in South African Test history.
With South Africa at 626/5 at lunch, Mulder's innings has not only provided a mammoth foundation but also brought him within striking distance of Brian Lara’s world record of 400 not out, made against England in 2004 at St John’s.
Key Partnerships & Tactical Brilliance
Mulder’s innings was supported by crucial partnerships:
- 184-run stand with David Bedingham, stabilizing the innings after early blows.
- 217-run stand with Lhuan-dre Pretorius off just 185 balls, now the second-highest fourth-wicket partnership for South Africa in away Tests.
His innings blended fluent strokeplay with tactical brilliance, displaying dominance against both pace and spin.
A Captain’s Knock
Leading for the first time in red-ball cricket, Mulder’s performance could not have been more emphatic. From walking in under pressure to building record partnerships and rewriting record books, he embodied the spirit of leadership and grit.
“It’s not just about the runs,” a senior Proteas official noted. “It’s about the resilience, the reading of the game, and the maturity he’s shown in his first outing as captain. He’s delivered one of the finest Test innings in our history.”
South Africa’s Bright Future
Mulder’s heroics may signal the dawn of a new era in South African cricket. Known for his all-round capabilities, this innings may now place him firmly among modern Test greats. At only 27, his leadership, technical prowess, and temperament under pressure are drawing attention across the cricketing world.
Key Stats from Wiaan Mulder's Record-Breaking Innings:
- Score: 367* (ongoing)
- Balls Faced for 300: 297
- Fastest South African to 200 (214 balls) — 2nd fastest behind Herschelle Gibbs
- Highest Individual Test Score by a South African: Surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311*
- Most Runs by a South African in a Single Day: 264 on Day 1
- Second-Highest Fourth-Wicket Stand Abroad (217 with Pretorius)
- South Africa's Score at Lunch on Day 2: 626/5
What’s Next?
As the Test progresses, cricket fans are watching closely to see whether Mulder can challenge Brian Lara’s world record of 400*. With Mulder still at the crease and in sublime touch, history could be made again in Bulawayo.
Stay tuned for live updates as Wiaan Mulder continues his march into the cricketing hall of fame.