Bulawayo: South Africa’s stand-in skipper Wiaan Mulder has stirred the cricketing world with a remarkable show of sportsmanship and reverence for cricketing history, choosing to declare South Africa’s innings on 626/5, despite standing just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s world record 400.
Mulder’s unbeaten 367 off 334 balls marked the fifth-highest individual score in Test history, but instead of chasing immortality, the 27-year-old opted for humility.
“Lara is a legend — He deserves the record”
Speaking after Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe, Mulder said:
“Brian Lara is a legend. For someone of that stature to keep that record is deserved. If I get the chance to do it again, I’d do it exactly the same way. I spoke to Shuks (head coach Shukri Conrad), and he felt the same way.”
Mulder’s choice mirrored the class of Australian legend Mark Taylor, who declared on 334 in 1998, tying Sir Don Bradman’s record instead of surpassing it.
Historic Innings, Unmatched Dominance
Mulder’s innings — a mix of poise and power — was studded with 49 fours and 4 sixes, placing him second only to John Edrich’s 57 boundaries in a single Test innings. Zimbabwe’s bowlers were left helpless as Mulder anchored the Proteas to a massive 626/5 after the hosts opted to bowl first.
Zimbabwe Trail by 405 After Follow-On
With the bat, Zimbabwe were no match for South Africa’s relentless attack. Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen (4/42) led the bowling charge as Zimbabwe folded for 170. The Proteas enforced the follow-on, and the day closed with Zimbabwe at 51/1, still trailing by 405 runs.
A Nod to Cricketing Integrity
Mulder’s decision not to pursue individual glory has been widely praised by fans and pundits alike. His innings, while shy of a world record, will be remembered not just for the runs, but for the spirit of the game it upheld.
🏏 “It’s rare in today’s numbers-obsessed era to see a player put the game and its legacy ahead of personal milestones. Mulder just earned a lot more than runs today.” — A cricket fan on X
📝 Stat Check: Top 5 Highest Individual Test Scores
- Brian Lara – 400*
- Matthew Hayden – 380
- Mahela Jayawardene – 374
- Brian Lara – 375
- Wiaan Mulder – 367*
📸 Mulder walking off unbeaten, applauded by teammates and fans, will remain one of the most iconic images of modern Test cricket.