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Selfless SA Captain; Mulder Saves Brian Lara's 400 Record With Surprising Declaration

Rajgeeta Yadav

Wiaan Mulder scripts history against Zimbabwe [Source: @LawrenceBailey0/X.com]Wiaan Mulder scripts history against Zimbabwe [Source: @LawrenceBailey0/X.com]

In an unforgettable moment in cricket history, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder stunned the world with an epic innings that was almost close to the most iconic records in the game, Brian Lara’s 400 not out in a Test match. 

Mulder, leading South Africa for the first time as captain, played a once-in-a-lifetime innings against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo and etched his name into the record books.

Mulder wasn’t even supposed to lead the team. He stepped in as captain after Keshav Maharaj had to withdraw due to injury. Maharaj himself had been standing in for Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s regular skipper, who is out of the series after guiding the team to a WTC final win.

Despite the leadership changes and a relatively inexperienced squad, Mulder took charge like a veteran. On Day 1, the Proteas found themselves struggling early at 24 for 2, but Mulder stepped in at No. 3 and changed everything.

Mulder steadied the ship with calm and class, first stitching together a 184-run partnership with David Bedingham, and then adding another 217 runs with Lhuan-dré Pretorius. These crucial stands helped SA climb out of trouble and dominate the game.

By the end of Day 1, Mulder had already smashed a double-century and was closing in on the elusive triple hundred. The next day, he didn’t slow down.

Wiaan Mulder Falls 33 Runs Short To Script History In Zimbabwe

On Day 2, during the first session, Mulder reached a magnificent triple century. But he wasn’t finished. He continued to dominate the Zimbabwean bowling attack, edging closer to a historic milestone. Just 34 runs short of surpassing Brian Lara’s legendary 400, a record that has stood unbroken since 2004, Mulder’s charge was halted not by the bowlers, but by a declaration.

In a display of selfless leadership, the captain chose to put the team first, declaring the innings at lunch with the score at 626 for 5. Lara had made his iconic unbeaten 400 against England in Antigua, and Mulder, too, had the chance to etch his name at the very top. Instead, he chose the team’s interest over personal glory.

At just 27 years old and captaining South Africa for the first time, Mulder has already etched his name into the record books. His marathon innings is now the highest ever by a South African captain in Test cricket and the fifth-highest score in Test history.