Wiaan Mulder Finishes 33 Short of Lara’s 400 in SA vs ZIM Test
Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400, but rewrote several pages of cricket history with a majestic 367-run innings as South Africa declared at a commanding 625/5 on Day 2 of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
🔥 South Africa Declare at 625/5 – Mulder Unbeaten on 367
In a dominant display of Test match batting, South African captain and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder produced one of the most astonishing innings in recent memory. Going to lunch on Day 2 unbeaten on 367, expectations soared across the cricketing world that Brian Lara’s iconic world record score of 400* might finally be challenged.
However, to the surprise of many, South Africa declared during the lunch break, prioritizing team strategy over individual milestones. This meant that Wiaan Mulder finished 33 runs short of the highest individual Test score, bringing back memories of when Sachin Tendulkar was declared on 194* against Pakistan in 2004.
📊 A Record-Breaking Knock: Wiaan Mulder’s 367 in Numbers
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Balls Faced: 397
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Strike Rate: 92.43
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Fours: 42
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Sixes: 8
This sensational innings was built on impeccable shot selection, patience, and controlled aggression. His triple century came in just 297 balls – making it the second-fastest triple ton in Test history, only behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball epic against the same South African team in 2008. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
New South African Record Holder
Wiaan Mulder has now etched his name as the highest individual scorer for South Africa in Tests. He surpassed Hashim Amla’s 311 vs England in 2012*, achieving the feat by elegantly cover-driving Blessing Muzarabani for four – a shot symbolic of his class throughout the innings. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
🗣️ “It’s a special feeling. Growing up, I idolized Jacques Kallis and Brian Lara. To be even spoken in the same breath as Lara for a few hours is humbling,” Mulder said after his innings.
🏆 Fifth Highest Score in Test Cricket History
Mulder’s 367 now ranks 5th on the all-time list of highest individual Test scores, surpassing:
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Sanath Jayasuriya (340)
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Len Hutton (364)
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Sir Garry Sobers (365)
Only Brian Lara (400 & 375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374) remain ahead of him in the elite list. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
🌍 Highest Test Score in an Away Match
Notably, Wiaan Mulder now also holds the record for the highest Test score by a visiting batter, surpassing Hanif Mohammad’s 337 vs West Indies in 1958. In the context of overseas performances, this innings holds legendary status.
🤯 Team Decision: Why Did South Africa Declare?
Coach Rob Walter explained the decision post-lunch:
“We were already in a commanding position. Wiaan had done enough to put us there. We wanted to ensure we had the entire afternoon and evening to bowl Zimbabwe out under pressure.”
While some fans expressed disappointment on social media at not witnessing a potential 400, others applauded the team-first approach. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
🧤 Zimbabwe Bowlers Left Frustrated
Zimbabwe’s bowling unit had no answers. Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, and Wellington Masakadza bowled tirelessly but were taken apart, particularly in the first session of Day 2 when Mulder accelerated, scoring 85 runs off just 65 balls before the break. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
🧒 A Young Leader Rising
Wiaan Mulder, still just 26, has shown that he is not just a talented all-rounder but also a mature captain. His ability to lead from the front, build long innings, and make bold declarations has impressed fans and critics alike.
📺 Broadcast & Reactions
The match was broadcast live across several platforms, and Mulder’s innings instantly trended worldwide. Cricket legends, including AB de Villiers and Ricky Ponting, lauded the innings. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
“One of the finest innings in the modern era. Brave declaration too!” – Ricky Ponting on Twitter.
📌 Conclusion: Mulder’s 367 – A Knock for the Ages
Though Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400, his 367-run marathon is already being celebrated as one of the greatest innings in Test history. It wasn’t just about runs – it was about character, tempo, awareness, and an unselfish call for team victory. Wiaan Mulder finishes 33 short of Lara’s 400
Whether or not he’ll get another chance at rewriting Lara’s record is unknown, but this innings has already cemented Wiaan Mulder’s place among the modern greats of Test cricket.
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