 "Wiaan Mulder posted the fourth-highest individual score in Test cricket. Image: Zimbabwe Cricket")
South African cricketer Wiaan Mulder made headlines on Monday when he declared the team’s innings while batting on a stunning 367 not out, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s world record 400*. His decision came during the 2nd Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and surprised many fans and experts.
Mulder, who was also the stand-in captain, reached his triple century in just 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test history, only behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball triple ton. His knock was made up of 49 fours and 4 sixes.
The 27-year-old didn’t just stop at a triple hundred as he went on to become the highest individual scorer for South Africa in Test cricket, overtaking Hashim Amla’s 311 not-out. He also broke the record for the highest individual score in an away Test, beating former Pakistan batter Hanif Mohammad’s 337 from 1958.
Mulder is now ranked fifth on the list of all-time highest individual scores in Tests, only behind legends like Lara (400*), Matthew Hayden (380), Lara (375), and Mahela Jayawardene (374). However, what caught everyone’s attention was his decision to declare the innings with a possible world record within reach.
Netizens hail Mulder as ‘selfless’
Fans on social media called the move “selfless,” saying that he put the team first over personal milestones.
Impact Shorts
View AllSouth Africa had put up a mammoth 626/5 in 114 overs at a run rate of 5.49. Mulder was well supported by David Bedingham (82), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (78), and Kyle Verreynne (42 not out). Zimbabwe’s bowlers had a tough day, with all conceding runs at over four an over.
South Africa will now look to bowl out Zimbabwe twice and win the Test as the home side is already three wickets down for just 26 on the board at the time of writing this story.