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Wiaan Mulder Almost Shatters Legend's Record As Test Captain With Epic 264 Not Out

Soumyajit Dutta

Wiaan Mulder [Source: @ProteasMen/X.com]Wiaan Mulder [Source: @ProteasMen/X.com]

Playing in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Wiaan Mulder delivered a captain’s knock off the highest order. The 26-year-old all-rounder remained unbeaten on 264 off 259 balls, anchoring South Africa to a commanding 465/4 at the close of play on Day 1 of the second Test. 

However, with this commanding knock, he is also on the verge of breaking Proteas legend Graeme Smith's iconic feat in Test cricket.

Wiaan Mulder Might Break Smith's Standalone Record After 22 Years!

Wiaan Mulder is now just 14 runs away from breaking Graeme Smith's record of having the most runs as captain of South Africa in Tests. Smith scored 277 against England in 2003 and after 22 years, Mulder is on the verge of breaking his record on day 2 of the 2nd Test at Bulawayo.

Name Of Player
Runs
Opponent
Year
Graeme Smith277England2003
Wiaan Mulder
264*Zimbabwe2025*
Graeme Smith259England2003
Graeme Smith234Pakistan2013
Graeme Smith232Bangladesh2008

Coming in early at 24/2 after Zimbabwe opted to bowl, Mulder showcased composure under pressure. He first built an 184-run partnership with David Bedingham (82), followed by a 217-run stand with debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (78). 

The right-hander rotated the strike with ease and found the boundary regularly, especially punishing anything overpitched from Zimbabwe’s seamers.

Mulder Anchors South Africa's Day

For the unaware, South Africa’s innings began shakily, losing both openers cheaply. Tony de Zorzi fell for 10, and Lesego Senokwane could manage only 3. But Mulder steadied the ship and took charge from the moment he walked in. Supported well by Bedingham and Pretorius, the Proteas raced ahead in the afternoon and evening sessions.

Zimbabwe's bowlers toiled hard with little reward. Tanaka Chivanga picked up 2 wickets, while Wellington Masakadza and Kundai Matigimu got one apiece. However, none could find a way past the resolute Mulder.

With South Africa firmly in control at 465/4 and Mulder eyeing history on Day 2, all eyes will be on whether he can surpass Graeme Smith’s iconic 277 and etch his name into the record books as the highest-scoring South African captain in Test cricket.