BULAWAYO: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has lauded Proteas Men’s all-rounder Wiaan Mulder after he etched his name into the history books with a monumental unbeaten 367 during the ongoing second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo earlier today.
Mulder’s marathon knock (off 334 balls, 49 fours and four sixes) is now the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket, surpassing the previous mark of 311* set by Hashim Amla against England at The Oval in 2012.
Batting at number three, his record-breaking performance spanned one and a half days, with his triple century coming off just 297 balls, the second-fastest 300 in Test history.
The 27-year-old, who is the stand-in captain for the match, also passed the record for the highest score in his first Test as captain and now holds the record for the highest score by a South African skipper in Test cricket.
His 367* also ranks among the top five highest individual scores in Test history.
CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe, who is currently with the squad in Bulawayo, said: “This is a proud moment for Wiaan, the Proteas Men, and the entire South African cricket fraternity.
“It was a truly world-class performance that will be remembered for generations. Records like this are not just personal milestones; they inspire young cricketers and elevate the stature of our game.”
Proteas Test head coach Shukri Conrad added: “Wiaan’s innings was nothing short of extraordinary. Being the captain, then batting at number three where had to absorb early pressure and face the new ball, which he did with immense composure and control – it was unbelievable.
“The way he constructed his innings, session by session, was a masterclass in temperament and shot selection.
“It’s the kind of performance that anchors a team and sets the tone for the entire match. We’re incredibly proud of what he’s achieved today.”
The Proteas currently hold a 1-0 lead in the two-match series against Zimbabwe, with their victory in the first Test bringing them level with South Africa’s all-time record of nine consecutive Test wins, a milestone first set between March 2002 and May 2003.
A win in the second Test would see them surpass that record and reinforce a dominant run of form in the longest format.
Additional Stats – Wiaan Mulder 367*
- His 264 runs on the first day is the second most runs on the first day of a Test behind Don Bradman’s 309 for Australia v England at Leeds in 1930.
- The 131 runs he scored in the third session of the first day is the most by a South African in a session of a Test beating AB de Villiers’ 119 v India at Centurion in 2010.
- He followed this with 103 runs in the first session of the second day to join Bradman in that innings at Leeds in 1930 and Wally Hammond (England v New Zealand at Auckland in 1933) as the only batters to make 100 runs in consecutive sessions in a Test.
Source: cricket.co.za
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