Wiaan Mulder declares South Africa innings despite nearing Brian Lara’s Test record

South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder made a selfless call during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, choosing to declare the innings at 626/5 while unbeaten on 367. With that decision, he gave up the opportunity to surpass Brian Lara’s iconic record of 400 not out — the highest individual score in Test cricket history.

Mulder's decision emphasized team over personal glory, even though he was within striking distance of the legendary mark set by Lara against England in 2004 at the Antigua Recreation Ground. Mulder’s knock, however, has propelled him into the elite list of top five highest individual scores in Test history and established several new records.

The 27-year-old all-rounder now holds the record for the highest Test score by a South African batter, eclipsing Hashim Amla’s previous best of 311* against England in 2012. He also became the fastest South African to score a triple century, reaching the milestone in just 297 balls — the second-fastest overall, behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball triple ton against South Africa in 2008.

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Mulder’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He took apart Zimbabwe’s attack with ease, smashing 49 fours and four sixes in a dominant display. This innings followed a solid century in the first Test and a 147-run effort in the second innings, underlining his superb form throughout the series.

Additionally, his unbeaten 367 is now the highest score by any batter in an away Test match, surpassing Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad, who scored 337 against the West Indies in 1958. Mulder also claimed the record for the most runs by a South African in a single Test match, overtaking Graeme Smith’s combined 362 (277 and 85) against England at Edgbaston in 2003.

Mulder stepped in as captain after Keshav Maharaj was ruled out, with several senior players, including Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, being rested by Cricket South Africa. Regular skipper Temba Bavuma also missed the series due to an injury sustained during South Africa’s historic World Test Championship final win over Australia at Lord’s.

Despite some earlier struggles with the bat in the WTC final, Mulder has silenced critics with an extraordinary series against Zimbabwe — highlighted by one of the finest Test innings in recent memory.