Wiaan Mulder’s 367 Stuns Cricket World — Shrewd Declaration Keeps Lara’s Legacy Intact

Image Credit: CricCrazyJohns on X

 In a momentous display of batting mastery, South Africa’s stand‑in captain Wiaan Mulder struck an unbeaten 367 off just 334 balls during the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, before opting to declare at 626/5, stopping a whisker short of Brian Lara’s legendary 400*.

Mulder’s innings shattered several records. It became the highest individual score by a South African in Tests, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311* from 2012. He now ranks fifth overall among the highest Test innings, trailing only Lara’s twins (400*, 375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374). With 49 fours and 4 sixes, his knock also marked the second-fastest triple-century in Test history – a scorching 297-ball 300, just behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort.

What followed was one of cricket’s most gracious gestures. Mulder and coach Shukri Conrad agreed the team had piled up enough runs and discussed the importance of letting Brian Lara’s record stand. As Mulder put it: 

Brian Lara is a legend… let the legends keep the really big scores.

 In doing so, he echoed former Australian captain Mark Taylor’s decision in 1998, when Taylor declared on 334* to honor Sir Donald Bradman.

The declaration wasn’t mere sentiment. South Africa enforced the follow-on after bowling Zimbabwe out for 170, and had them at 51/1 by stumps — firmly in control. Mulder’s innings laid the platform for a likely dominant victory.

Despite averaging in twenties in his earlier Tests, Mulder’s promotion to No. 3 has paid dividends, showcasing his skill and temperament. Singing an Afrikaans tune between overs reportedly helped him sustain focus during his marathon knock.

In short: Mulder achieved national and personal milestones — South Africa’s highest ever Test score, second-fastest triple-hundred, and top-five global rankings, highest score by a captain on debut — yet preserved cricket’s lore by respectfully choosing not to surpass one of the game’s most cherished records. His innings will be remembered not just for its weight of runs, but for the wisdom and humility it embodied.