Records tumbled in Bulawayo on Monday morning (July 7) as South Africa’s captain Wiaan Mulder scripted history with the bat during the second Test against Zimbabwe. Heading into Lunch on Day 2, Mulder remained unbeaten on a breathtaking 367, just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s iconic 400*. His innings so far has been nothing short of an epic 400 with record-breaking milestones along the way.
Mulder’s Triple Century: Second Fastest in Test History
Mulder’s journey to 300 was a masterclass in aggressive yet calculated batting. He reached the landmark in just 297 balls, making it the second fastest triple century in Test cricket history. Only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball triple ton against South Africa in 2008 was quicker.
The 26-year-old all-rounder’s dominance was evident throughout the innings, mixing crisp boundaries with deft singles and doubles. His triple century was brought up in style with a scorching cover drive off a slightly overpitched delivery from Blessing Muzarabani.
Highest Individual Score by a South African
Mulder’s innings didn’t stop at the triple century. He went on to surpass Hashim Amla’s highest individual score of 311, setting a new benchmark for South African cricket. With a delightful boundary through cover, Mulder etched his name in history as the holder of the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket.
This feat adds to his growing reputation as one of South Africa’s most dependable batting all-rounders. For a nation that has produced legends like Amla, Graeme Smith, and Jacques Kallis, this is a monumental achievement.
Mulder Surpasses Historic Away Records
As if rewriting his country’s records wasn’t enough, Mulder’s mammoth knock also earned him the title for the highest individual score in an away Test match. He overtook Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad, whose 337 against the West Indies in 1958 had stood for decades.
In the process, Mulder also leapfrogged some of cricket’s all-time greats:
🏏 Sanath Jayasuriya (340)
🏏 Sir Len Hutton (364)
🏏 Sir Garry Sobers (365)
Now, Mulder occupies the fifth position among the highest individual scores in Test cricket history. The next names on the list are Mahela Jayawardene (374), Brian Lara (375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Lara’s unbeaten 400*.
Epic 400 With Record-Breaking Milestones Within Reach
With Mulder unbeaten on 367 at Lunch, the cricketing world is abuzz with the possibility of him reaching an epic 400 with record-breaking implications. Should he cross Brian Lara’s 400*, he will become the new holder of the highest individual score in Test history—a record unbroken since 2004.
His form, focus, and strokeplay so far suggest that surpassing Lara is not beyond reach.
Cricket pundits are already hailing his innings as one of the finest in modern Test cricket. Former South African captain Graeme Smith remarked:
“Mulder’s composure and shot selection have been phenomenal. If anyone deserves to join Lara in the 400 club, it’s him.”
The Magnitude of the Achievement
Reaching an epic 400 with record-breaking statistics would make Mulder only the second player in history to score 400 in Tests. Brian Lara’s unbeaten 400 came against England in 2004 at Antigua, reclaiming his record from Matthew Hayden, who had scored 380 against Zimbabwe months earlier.
The rarity of such a milestone underscores Mulder’s brilliance. Test cricket, with its mental and physical demands, seldom sees individual scores beyond 300. Mulder’s ability to maintain concentration over two days is a testament to his fitness and mental fortitude.
South Africa’s Dominance in the Match
Mulder’s monumental innings has also put South Africa in a commanding position against Zimbabwe. The visitors piled up runs at a brisk rate, ensuring that the opposition bowlers toiled endlessly under the Bulawayo sun.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Muzarabani and Ngarava, found little success as Mulder unleashed an array of drives, pulls, and cuts to all parts of the ground.
The scoreboard reflects South Africa’s supremacy, with Mulder’s innings forming the backbone of what could be a record-breaking team total as well.
Records Broken So Far by Mulder
Here’s a quick snapshot of records shattered by Mulder in this innings:
✅ Second fastest triple century in Tests (297 balls)
✅ Highest individual score by a South African (367)*
✅ Highest individual score in an away Test (367)*
✅ Fifth highest individual Test score in history
✅ Surpassed Amla (311), Jayasuriya (340), Hutton (364), Sobers (365)
The cricketing fraternity is now eagerly watching if Mulder can achieve an epic 400 with record-breaking history.
What Lies Ahead for Mulder?
As play resumes after Lunch, all eyes will be on Mulder. Can he:
🏏 Surpass Jayawardene (374) and Lara (375)?
🏏 Break Hayden’s 380 and claim second place?
🏏 Make history with 401 or more to topple Lara?
With plenty of overs left in the day and South Africa in no rush, the possibility of an epic 400 with record-breaking headlines grows stronger with every delivery he faces.
Key Takeaways
📌 Wiaan Mulder unbeaten on 367* at Lunch, Day 2
📌 Second fastest triple century (297 balls) after Sehwag
📌 New South African record for highest individual Test score
📌 Fifth highest individual Test score globally
📌 33 runs away from Brian Lara’s iconic 400*
Final Word
Wiaan Mulder’s stunning innings against Zimbabwe is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a celebration of resilience, skill, and the enduring spirit of Test cricket. With an epic 400 with record-breaking potential on the horizon, Mulder is on the verge of etching his name alongside Brian Lara in cricketing immortality.
As fans hold their breath and history beckons, one thing is certain: Day 2 of the Bulawayo Test will be remembered for years to come.