In an era where personal milestones let you shine in the headlines, South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder has emerged as a rare case. Wiaan Mulder is currently making headlines in the cricket world. South Africa considers him their best all-rounder, and the selectors appointed him Test captain for the first time. He stunned everyone with his decision to declare when he was on track to score more than 400 runs in the recent Test Match against Zimbabwe. Mulder was at the edge of breaking Brian Lara’s World record of the highest test score and potentially claiming the world record.
According to Mulder, he is grateful for not scoring those extra runs because, according to him, records are made by the legends, and that should belong to them alone.
Wiaan Mulder’s Best Play
Mulder’s amazing innings came during the Second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club. He resumed the second day with 264 runs, and then reached the triple century off just 297 balls. He then secured a massive 367 runs with 49 fours and 4 sixes. This is only the second triple century with 100+ plus strike rate (where data is available) after Virender Sehwag’s 319 against South Africa in Chennai, and a record worth remembering.
By lunch, Mulder was still unbeaten on 367, just 33 runs away from Lara’s amazing 400 not out, a record that hasn’t been broken since 2004. South Africa had scored a huge 626 for 5, already their biggest Test total in nine years. The scene was ready for Mulder to become part of cricket history.
The Declaration That Shocked the World
A decision and declaration made by Wiaan Mulder has shocked the whole cricket industry. After having a conversation with the head coach, Shukri Conrad, during the lunch break, he decided to declare his innings at 367 runs, holding the record of Brian Lara.
When asked during a press talk, Wiaan said, “I was speaking to Shuks (Proteas coach Shukri Conrad) and he kind of said to me as well, ‘Let the legends keep the really big scores.” He then added, “You never know what my fate is or what is destined for me. But Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be.”
This decision was a blend of both respect for the game and Strategic thinking. For him, the victory was more important than making more than 400 runs. According to him, the team’s focus should be on bowling out Zimbabwe and securing the victory.
He said, “First, I thought we had enough and we need to bowl. Secondly, Brian Lara is a legend; he got 400 against England, and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. If I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing.”
Mulder’s Best at Bowling…
Even though Mulder had some tough times playing in white-ball matches, his skills in red-ball cricket have really improved. He scored his first Test century against Bangladesh in 2024 and then another one against Zimbabwe in this series. His batting and new-ball bowling skills make him a key player for the Proteas in Tests.
Mulder’s selflessness paid off right away. He took the new ball and claimed two quick wickets in consecutive overs, removing key Zimbabwean batsmen. He also caught a quick ball at slip, which helped Zimbabwe’s innings collapse to 170. South Africa then decided to enforce the follow-on. In second innings South Africa bowled Zimbabwe for just 220 runs and won by an innings and 236 runs.
Respect for the Legends
As Wiaan Mulder said, “Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 against England. For someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special.”
Wiaan’s declaration sparked a debate among fans and critics. People hold different opinions; some believe records are made to be broken, while others see Wiaan Mulder’s decision as perfect, arguing that certain milestones are sacred.
What’s Next?
South Africa, leading 1-0 and reigning World Test Champions, look poised for another dominant victory. For Mulder, the future seems very promising. At only 27 years old, he has already done what many people only dream of. Leading his country, setting records, and gaining respect not just for his skills but also for his character.
Fans will remember Mulder’s 367 for its message: cricket is about more than just records and numbers.
As South Africa claims yet another Test victory, Mulder shows what makes cricket truly special: a player who is willing to let others shine, even as he creates his legacy.
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