Wiaan Mulder’s Remarkable Feat: A Gentleman’s Decision Over History
I wanted Lara’s record of 400* to remain untouched: Wiaan Mulder
Bulawayo: Cricket is known as ‘Gentleman’s Game’ and Test’s new world champion South Africa’s batsman Wiaan Mulder exactly did the same. A Gentleman’s decision. He came close to breaking one of cricket’s most iconic world records but chose to walk away from it, winning hearts around the cricketing world. During the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Mulder remained unbeaten on 367 runs off 334 balls, including 49 fours and 4 sixes.
South Africa had reached a commanding 626 for 5 when Mulder, who was captaining the side, chose to declare the innings, turning down the opportunity to surpass Brian Lara’s historic 400 not out, the highest individual score in Test cricket.
Mulder’s selfless act stood out in an era where personal milestones often dominate headlines. Speaking after the match, he said that he wanted Lara’s record to remain untouched. “I feel that record should stay with a legend like Brian Lara. We had enough runs on the board, and it was time to focus on bowling out Zimbabwe early,” Mulder said. His decision was not spontaneous he had discussed it in advance with head coach Shukri Conrad, who also agreed that such legendary records deserved to be preserved.
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South Africa had already taken a 1-0 lead in the series after winning the first Test by 328 runs. In the second Test, which began on Sunday, South Africa once again dominated proceedings. Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 170 runs in their first innings, despite an unbeaten 83 from Sean Williams. South Africa’s spin bowler Prenelan Subrayen took four wickets, while Mulder contributed with two.
Following on, Zimbabwe were 51 for 1 at stumps, still trailing by 456 runs, as South Africa looked well on course for another convincing victory. The standout, however, remained Mulder’s extraordinary innings not just for the sheer volume of runs but for the statement it made.
Mulder, who has previously played in the IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad, is currently serving as the stand-in captain for South Africa. With his 367*, he has now become only the second South African to score a triple century in Test cricket, surpassing Hashim Amla’s unbeaten 311, and setting a new benchmark for South African batters.
Reflecting on Lara’s record, Mulder added, “Lara scored those 400 runs against England in 2004. It’s a special achievement by a great man, and I believe it should stay that way. If I ever get another chance to break it, I’ll probably make the same decision again. Some records deserve to stay in the hands of legends.”
Lara’s historic 400 not out came in April 2004 at St. John’s against England, where he faced 582 balls, hitting 4 sixes and 43 fours. That match ended in a draw, but Lara’s feat remains etched in cricket history.
Mulder’s choice has sparked admiration for the values he upheld team over self, respect over ambition. While he may have missed out on rewriting the record books, Wiaan Mulder has earned something arguably far greater: global respect for his humility and character.