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Wiaan Mulder Falls Short of Brian Lara’s Historic 400 as South Africa Declare at 625/5
South African Skipper Wiaan Mulder Creates History in Bulawayo Test
In a record-breaking display of batting dominance, South African captain Wiaan Mulder etched his name into cricket’s history books by scoring a phenomenal 367 not out on Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe. The monumental innings, however, came to an abrupt end when South Africa declared their first innings during the Lunch break on July 7, leaving Mulder just 33 runs short of equalling Brian Lara’s iconic 400*, the highest individual score in Test history.
Mulder Blazes to Triple Century with Second-Fastest Milestone in Test Cricket
Only Sehwag Reached the Landmark Faster
Mulder’s innings was nothing short of masterful. He reached his triple century in just 297 deliveries, making him the second-fastest to the mark in Test history. The only batter to do it quicker remains Virender Sehwag, who bludgeoned a triple ton in 278 balls against South Africa back in 2008.
What made Mulder’s feat even more remarkable was the array of strokes he employed and his fearless approach throughout the innings. His boundary-laced knock, particularly the elegant drive off Blessing Muzarabani to surpass Hashim Amla’s previous South African record of 311 not out, was a sight to behold.
Mulder Surpasses Amla and Joins the Elite Club of Triple Centurions
By scoring 367*, Mulder not only became the second South African after Hashim Amla to achieve a triple century but also overtook Amla’s highest individual Test score, thus setting a new national benchmark. His innings was punctuated with grit, precision, and stroke-play excellence, cementing his status as one of South Africa’s premier batting talents.
Also Read: Hashim Amla’s Iconic Triple Century – A Legacy of Calm and Class
A Record-Breaking Away Performance
Mulder now holds the record for the highest individual score in an away Test match, eclipsing Hanif Mohammad’s 337 against the West Indies in 1958. In addition, Mulder’s 367* has elevated him to the fifth position on the list of all-time highest Test scores, surpassing legends like:
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Sanath Jayasuriya – 340
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Len Hutton – 364
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Sir Garry Sobers – 365
The only names ahead of Mulder now are:
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Brian Lara – 400*
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Matthew Hayden – 380
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Brian Lara (again) – 375
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Mahela Jayawardene – 374
His innings is not only a personal milestone but a proud moment for South African cricket.
South Africa’s Declaration Sparks Mixed Reactions
Cricket enthusiasts around the world were stunned when South Africa declared at 625/5 during the lunch interval, halting Mulder’s potentially historic charge. The decision has since sparked a debate on whether the team management should have allowed Mulder the chance to chase down Lara’s record.
Some argue that team strategy and Test match dynamics warranted the declaration, especially to capitalize on the wear of the pitch and put Zimbabwe under immediate pressure. However, many fans and former cricketers expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity for history.
Looking Ahead in the Series
With a commanding total on the board, South Africa now looks to dominate the remainder of the Test match. Zimbabwe faces an uphill battle to avoid defeat, and Mulder’s inspirational knock is sure to serve as a major psychological advantage for the Proteas.
For detailed Test match stats and live score updates, you can refer to the official ESPN Cricinfo Scorecard.
