South Africa’s All-rounder Wiaan Mulder scored an unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo and was on way to breaking one of the most esteemed records in International Cricket but decided to declare and go for the win rather than chasing the world record.
In his debut match as captain of South Africa, stepping in for the injured Keshav Maharaj, Mulder achieved an impressive score – the record for the highest by a player in their first Test innings as captain – just before lunch with the team at 626 for five. Mulder, just 34 shy of breaking Brian Lara’s world record decided to declare the innings which many would not have done.
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‘Lara is a legend, should keep the record’
Speaking after stumps on Day 2, Mulder said Brian Lara is a legend and deserves to keep that record. He said that Brian is one of the greats of the game and it was pretty special for someone of that stature to keep the record.
“First things first, I thought we got enough and we need to bowl. And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. He got 401 or whatever it was against England. And for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’d probably do the same thing,” Mulder told SuperSport after stumps on Day 2.
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‘Feels pretty special’
Mulder mentioned that it feels quite special to accumulate so many runs and remain at the crease for such an long time, aiding his team’s position in controlling the match. Following his statement, the Proteas dismissed the home team for 170. The visitors then decided to enforce the follow-on.
Mulder’s innings featured 49 fours and 4 sixes, achieving a strike rate of 109.88. He remained at the crease for 334 deliveries. He opted to end South Africa’s innings when the score was 625/6.
Wiaan Mulder was set for great things from an early age. He received his initial Test cap in 2019 and was viewed primarily as a red-ball talent, bolstered by his consistent participation in the county circuit.
Mulder’s recent knock and primarily his decision to declare only 34 shy of a massive world record has earned him immense respect across the cricketing fraternity and enthusiasts.
