South African Stand-in Captain Vian rudder On Monday, declaring his team’s innings at 626/5 during the second Test against Zimbabwe, he took a remarkable decision on Monday. Despite being within a distance of the prestigious record of Brian Lara for the highest personal score, Mulder remained unbeaten on a monumental 367 off 334 balls At the Queens Sports Club in Bulveo.
Why did not the Vian Mulder go after Bryan Lara’s historical test record?
Mulder clarified his argument post-stumps, emphasizing a team-first philosophy. “First things first, I thought we are enough and we need to bowl,” He said, highlighting the strategic imperative. He also expressed deep respect for the famous West Indian batsman. ,Brian Lara is a legend … It is very special for someone of that height to keep that record, “ Mulder commented as quoted by AFP. Head coach Shukri Conrad allegedly advised him “Let legends really keep big scores.” The Mulder indicated not to regret it, suggesting that it would again make the same option, strengthening his commitment to collective success.
The Hercules attempt by the 367 Not Out’s Mulder has strongly named its name in the history of South African cricket. The innings is now in the form of the highest personal score obtained by South African in Test cricket, crossing Hashim Amla’s 311. In addition, it marks the highest score in a distant test match by South African, which adds another layer of difference.
Mulder takes a selfless call
The speed with which the Mulder gathered his runs was equally impressive, which reached its triple century in only 297 balls, making the second fastest in history. Despite this monumental and rapid score, the Mulder continuously reduced individual figures. His focus was square on the team’s objectives. “You never know what my luck is … but I think Brian Lara is the same as it should be,” He preferred sports records and teams above personal praise.
Connecting his unique achievement, the 37 -year -old Malder became the first player in the Test history to score a triple hundred at the beginning of his captaincy. This extraordinary achievement immediately keeps it in a special club. His rapid triple century, achieved in 297 delivery, has been crossed by only explosive Indian opener Virender SehwagWhich reached a milestone in 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai in 2008. Compared to Sehwag, Sehwag compared to the extraordinary nature of Mulder’s innings.
Tabridge Shamsi believes that Vian Mulder should have broken the record of 400 runs from Brian Lara.#Zimvsa #Wiaanmullder #Southafrica #Crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/sekk9fewgm
– CRICKETIMES.COM (@crickettimeshq) July 7, 2025
Also read: From Brian Lara to Vian Malder – Top 5 highest personal scores in Test cricket history
South Africa dominance continues on Zimbabwe
South Africa entered the series 1–0 in the second Test, which won a big 328 runs in the first Test in Bulwayo. The aim of the Mulder’s strategic announcement at 626/5 was to maximize the time of bowling to secure a series-clining win, rather than allowing him to chase a personal record, which has consumed valuable overs.
In response to South Africa’s first innings, Zimbabwe fell dramatically for 170 in his first essay, a significantly reduced from the follow-on target. Forced to bat again, he concluded day 2 at 51 for one in his second innings, yet a tough was behind 405 runs. The hosts now face a huge challenge to prevent an innings defeat, as South Africa holds a commanding position, which is ready for a decisive victory.
Also read: The top 5 highest personal scores for South Africa in Test cricket feet.