Author: Akshay Published Date: 08 July 2025
A Knock for the Record Books
On a sun-baked pitch at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club, South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder etched his name into cricketing folklore. By the end of Day 2, he had notched an unbeaten 367—a triple century so dominant it shattered record after record.
He didn’t just score big—he rewrote history.
Fastest Triple Ton Since Sehwag
Mulder reached his triple century off just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history, trailing only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball marathon in Chennai, 2008. That speed catapulted him into an elite bracket of relentless run-scoring.
Historic Captaincy Debut
In his first Test as captain, Mulder became the first-ever player to hit a triple century on captaincy debut—a landmark achievement straight out the annals of cricket trivia.
He truly led from the front, sending a powerful statement about stepping up under pressure.
Highest Away Test Score Ever
Mulder’s 367* eclipsed Hanif Mohammad’s long-held away-Test record of 337, traveling past Wally Hammond, Don Bradman, Mark Taylor—and now standing as the highest individual score away from home.
Imagine that—a solo innings in a foreign land rewriting cricketing history.
South Africa’s Highest Ever Test Score
Previously held by Hashim Amla (311* vs England, 2012), Mulder’s knock now stands as the highest individual score by any South African in Tests. He’s only the second South African to record a triple ton, joining Amla in cricket lore.
Fifth-Highest in All-Time Test History
At 367, Mulder now sits in the top five all-time Test scores*: behind Brian Lara (400*, 375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374). He leapfrogged legends like Sobers, Hutton, Jayasuriya, and Bradman—all in one inning.
Boundary Bonanza & Strikefire
Mulder amassed 53 boundaries (49 fours, 4 sixes)—the second-highest boundary count ever in a Test innings, just behind John Edrich’s 57.
His strike rate of 109.88 qualifies the innings as just the second triple-century at over 100 SR in Test history, right alongside Sehwag’s iconic 319.
From Modest Starts to Monumental Milestones
On Day 1, he’d already gone past 250—the first for any captain in a debut Test innings. That set the tone for what followed.
Seeing him shift gears from solid start to no-holds-barred finale was part of the thrill.
Match Aggregate & Series Impact
Besides his triple ton, Mulder contributed massively throughout the series, over 531 runs in just two Tests, placing him among the top five run-getters in any two-match series. That stark consistency makes his knock even more formidable.
Unique Stand-in Captaincy Feat
At 27 years and 138 days, Mulder is the youngest Test captain ever to hit a triple century, breaking Bob Simpson’s 1964 milestone.
Stepping in as a stand-in skipper, he seized the moment with startling confidence
Tactical Awareness Behind the Runs
His methodology was clear:
- Assess the pitch and bowlers.
- Timing the acceleration—attack the loose balls.
- Take strategic relief (e.g., backing away).
- Exploit moments of overstepping or fatigue (e.g,. the rare no-ball from Chivanga).
His knock was driven by cricketing IQ, not just brute force.
What Comes Next?
After Mulder’s declaration at 626/5, South Africa took control of the Test. But beyond that, this innings will redefine his career trajectory:
- From talented all-rounder to cricketing elite.
- From fill-in captain to leader with demonstrated temper and resolve.
- From fringe player to match-winner—his name now echoes with Lara, Sehwag, and Jayawardene.