In a stunning display of skill and leadership, South Africa’s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder etched his name in cricket history during the second Test match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on July 6-7, 2025. The 27-year-old all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 300, becoming the first South African to score a triple century in Test cricket as captain. In doing so, he surpassed the legendary Hashim Amla’s record of 311* set against England in 2012, claiming the highest individual Test score by a South African.
A Dream Start to Captaincy
Mulder stepped into the captaincy role unexpectedly, filling in for regular skipper Keshav Maharaj, who was sidelined by a groin injury. Leading a South African side missing key players like Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada, Mulder faced a challenging task. Zimbabwe, after winning the toss, chose to bowl first, hoping to exploit early conditions at Queens Sports Club. They struck early, dismissing openers Tony de Zorzi (10) and debutant Lesogo Senokwane (3) to leave South Africa at a shaky 24/2.
But Mulder, batting at number three—a position he’s recently adopted—had other plans. Walking in during the 10th over, he took charge with a blend of composure and aggression that turned the game in South Africa’s favor. His marathon knock began with a solid 184-run partnership with David Bedingham, who scored a gritty 82. Later, Mulder teamed up with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who smashed a quick 78 off 87 balls, for a blistering 217-run stand that demoralized Zimbabwe’s bowlers.
By the end of Day 1, South Africa had raced to 465/4, with Mulder unbeaten on 264*. On Day 2, he resumed with focus, reaching the 300-run mark in just 297 balls—a feat that made his triple century the second-fastest in Test cricket history, trailing only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball 300. His innings, packed with 38 fours and 3 sixes, showcased a mix of elegant drives, powerful cuts, and clever placement, all at a strike rate over 100.
Breaking Records Left and Right
Mulder’s 300* didn’t just break Amla’s record for the highest individual Test score by a South African; it also set a new benchmark for captains. He became the first Test captain in the world to score a triple century in their debut match as leader, surpassing New Zealand’s Graham Dowling (239 vs. India, 1968) and West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul (203* vs. South Africa, 2005) for the most runs in a debut captaincy innings. His 264 runs on Day 1 alone marked the highest single-day score by a South African in Test cricket and the most runs scored in a day’s play on Zimbabwean soil.
Mulder’s knock was not without drama. At 247, he was bowled by Tanaka Chivanga, only for the delivery to be called a no-ball, giving him a lifeline. He seized the opportunity, marching on to his historic triple century. His double century, scored in 214 balls, was the second-fastest by a South African, behind only Herschelle Gibbs’ 211-ball effort in 2003. Mulder also set a South African record for the fastest 250 (243 balls) and, alongside Pretorius, recorded the highest run-rate (7.03) for a 200-plus run partnership in Test cricket where data is available.
Amla’s Legacy and Mulder’s Milestone
Hashim Amla’s 311* against England at The Oval in 2012 was a monumental achievement, making him the first South African to score a Test triple century. Amla, known for his calm demeanor and wristy strokeplay, held the record for 13 years as a symbol of South African batting excellence. Mulder, however, has now taken that crown, achieving the feat in his first Test as captain—a remarkable contrast to Amla’s established career at the time of his record.
While Amla’s knock came against a formidable England side during South Africa’s rise to the No. 1 Test ranking, Mulder’s 300* came against a weaker Zimbabwe team, outside the World Test Championship. Yet, the sheer scale of his achievement—scoring 300 runs at a brisk pace while leading a depleted side—has silenced critics who doubted his batting credentials at the top order.
The Making of Wiaan Mulder
Mulder, born in Gauteng, has long been seen as a promising all-rounder. A product of South Africa’s youth cricket system, he shone at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup as the team’s leading wicket-taker and made his first-class debut while still in school. His Test debut came in 2019, but he initially struggled to cement his place, often overshadowed by South Africa’s star-studded lineup. Recent years, however, have seen him grow, with consistent performances for Leicestershire in county cricket and a newfound role at number three for the Proteas.
His batting coach at the Lions, none other than Hashim Amla, praised Mulder’s technical ability and adaptability. “Wiaan and Tristan Stubbs are technically good enough,” Amla said before the Zimbabwe series. “The style of cricket South Africa is playing now is more attacking, which suits him.” Mulder’s 147 in the second innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe showed his potential, but his triple century has now announced him as a global star.
Why This Matters for Indian Fans
For Indian cricket fans, Mulder’s feat resonates for several reasons. His aggressive yet composed batting style draws comparisons to modern Indian greats like Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, who recently scored 147 in his first Test as captain against England. Mulder’s ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a high strike rate mirrors the approach of India’s attacking Test batters. Additionally, his record-breaking 300 off 297 balls places him in the same league as Virender Sehwag, whose 284-ball 300 against South Africa in 2008 remains the fastest in Test history.
Mulder’s milestone also highlights the growing influence of all-rounders in Test cricket, a role India has embraced with players like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. As South Africa prepares for future challenges, including potential series against India, Mulder’s emergence as a leader and batter adds an exciting dimension to their squad.
A Knock for the Ages
Wiaan Mulder’s 300* is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a statement of intent. Leading a young South African side, he turned a precarious situation into a dominant performance, setting up a formidable total that left Zimbabwe reeling. His ability to balance captaincy pressures with a historic batting display has drawn praise from fans and experts alike, with social media buzzing about his “dream start” and “sensational” knock.
As South Africa builds for the future, Mulder’s innings will be remembered as a turning point—a moment when a young all-rounder stepped out of the shadows to claim a place among the Proteas’ greats. For now, he stands tall as the first South African captain to score a Test triple century, a record that may inspire the next generation, just as Amla’s 311* did for him.
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