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Key Points

Wiaan Mulder narrowly missed Brian Lara's historic 400-run Test record, declaring at 367. His innings now stands as South Africa's highest individual Test score. Mulder's triple-century came at a blistering pace, the second-fastest in Test history. Zimbabwe struggled early in reply, losing three quick wickets.

Key Points: Wiaan Mulder Falls 33 Runs Short of Brian Lara Test Record

  • Mulder's 367 sets new South African Test record
  • Falls short of Lara's 400-run milestone
  • Fastest triple-century by a Proteas batter
  • Leads Zimbabwe Test with debut captaincy
2 min read

Mulder declares Proteas' innings 33 runs short of Brian Lara's Test record

South Africa's Wiaan Mulder declares innings at 367, just shy of Lara's 400-run Test record while setting a new Proteas high score.

"His 300 came off 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history. – Match Report"

Bulawayo, July 7

South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder passed up the opportunity to break Brian Lara’s long-standing record of the highest score in Test cricket by declaring the innings despite being only 33 runs short of the historic achievement.

Mulder’s outing at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, ranks fifth in the all-time list of highest scores in a Test match, with Lara topping the board for his 400 not out against England at St. John's in 2004. Australia’s Matthew Hayden and Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jaywardene are the other two batters on the list, with the former West Indies skipper’s 375 vs England occupying the third spot.

Mulder, 27, is captaining the Proteas for the first time in the second Test of the two-game series against Zimbabwe and was unbeaten at 367 when lunch was called. With South Africa having scored 626/5, the all-rounder decided to call curtains on their innings and did not go for a chance to enter the elusive 400-run club. His first-inning total is now the highest individual score by a South African in Test history.

Having come in at 24 for two on Day 1, Mulder showed immense composure on his debut captaincy stint. His partnerships defined the innings - 184 runs with David Bedingham and 217 runs off only 185 deliveries for the fourth wicket with Lhuan-dre Pretorius. It is the second-highest fourth-wicket stand for South Africa away from home.

At stumps on Sunday, he had already racked up 264 runs - the most by any South African in a single day of Test cricket and the second-most ever on an opening day globally. Resuming on Day 2, he wasted no time to bring up his triple hundred, joining Hashim Amla as the second South African to reach the mark in Tests. His 300 came off 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history.

Mulder’s double-century off 214 deliveries had already placed him second on South Africa's fastest double tons list behind Herschelle Gibbs. His triple-century now tops another chart: the highest individual score by a South African in Tests, surpassing Amla’s 311 not out.

Zimbabwe were dealt with early blows as Codi Yusuf claimed two early wickets and Corbin Bosch opened his tally to leave the hosts reeling at 18/3.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
As a cricket fan from Mumbai, I'm disappointed he didn't go for the record. These opportunities come once in a lifetime! But respect for putting team first. Hope we see someone break Lara's record soon - maybe an Indian batsman? 😉
V
Vikram M
The strike rate was incredible - 300 off 297 balls! Reminds me of Sehwag's style of play. Zimbabwe's bowling must have been really poor though. Would like to see how he performs against quality attacks like India or Australia.
S
Sarah B
Watching from Delhi - this innings was pure class! But declaration was the right call. In Test cricket, team result matters more than individual milestones. Hope this young captain gets more opportunities to lead SA.
K
Karthik V
While I appreciate the sportsmanship, records like these inspire generations. Sachin's 200 in ODIs changed the game forever. Mulder could have created history today. Still, 367 is no small feat - congrats to him!
P
Priya S
As a woman cricket fan from Bangalore, I'm so impressed by his temperament. Coming in at 24/2 and scoring 367* shows real character. Hope our Indian team gets to play against this new SA captain soon!

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