In the Zimbabwe vs South Africa Test at Queens Sports Club, Wiaan Mulder played a sensational knock, remaining unbeaten on 367. Despite being within striking distance of Brian Lara’s legendary 400*, Mulder, serving as captain, declared the innings at lunch with South Africa at 626/5.
A Decision That Surprised the Cricketing World
Mulder’s decision to step away from a shot at Lara’s historic record stunned the global cricketing community. However, the 18th Test captain of South Africa explained his reasoning after the match: the team’s victory was his top priority, not personal milestones.
“Brian Lara is a true legend,” Mulder told former Proteas great Shaun Pollock. “He scored 401 or something like that against England. For someone of that caliber to hold the record is really special. If I get the chance again, I’d probably make the same decision.”
He added that South Africa’s coach, Shukri Conrad, also supported the move. “Shuks told me, ‘Let the legends keep the really big scores.’ And I agree. Who knows what lies ahead for me, but some things are best left untouched. Lara deserves to hold that record.”
Regret Over Surpassing Amla’s Triple Century
While Mulder chose not to surpass Lara, he expressed regret about breaking Hashim Amla’s South African Test record of 311*. Amla was previously the only South African to hit a triple century in Tests. Mulder, who has shared the dressing room with Amla, called him a “true legend” and admitted he would have preferred Amla to retain that record.
“For me, the team’s success is what really matters,” Mulder said, reaffirming his commitment to collective goals over personal glory.
Focus Remains on Team Goals
South Africa, reigning World Test Champions, are chasing a record 10th consecutive Test win — a streak that Mulder is determined to extend. His leadership comes at a time of increased squad rotation due to the team’s packed schedule across formats.
After Keshav Maharaj’s injury, Mulder became South Africa’s sixth Test captain in just two years.
IPL and Career Stats
In the IPL 2025 season, Mulder was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad as a replacement for Brydon Carse for ₹75 lakh. Before the tournament, the all-rounder had played 18 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 11 T20Is, amassing 970 runs and taking 60 wickets in international cricket.
Mulder Enters Record Books
Mulder’s 367* now ranks fifth among the highest individual Test scores in history. He reached the score in just 334 balls with a strike rate of 109.88 — the highest among the top five scorers.
Top Individual Test Scores:
-
Brian Lara – 400* vs England (2004)
-
Matthew Hayden – 380 vs Zimbabwe (2003)
-
Brian Lara – 375 vs England (1994)
-
Mahela Jayawardene – 374 vs South Africa (2006)
-
Wiaan Mulder – 367* vs Zimbabwe (2025)
Other historic innings in the top 10 include Garry Sobers (365*), Len Hutton (364), Sanath Jayasuriya (340), Hanif Mohammad (337), and Wally Hammond (336*).