How South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder achieved fifth-highest test score by a batsman in history
Wiaan Mulder bakes history: 367* becomes 5th-Highest Test Score by a Batsman. Photo credit: Getty Images
In an extraordinary moment for South African cricket, Wiaan Mulder delivered one of the most iconic performances in the sport’s history by scoring an unbeaten 367 runs in a Test match against Zimbabwe. This innings, which took place at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, now ranks as the fifth-highest Test score by a batsman in the 147-year history of the format—an achievement that has set search engines ablaze as fans globally look up “highest Test score by a batsman.”
A Record-Breaking Feat for South Africa
Mulder’s score of 367* has rewritten the record books. It is now officially the highest individual score ever by a South African in Test cricket, surpassing the legendary Hashim Amla’s 311* against England in 2012. Coming in as a stand-in captain, Mulder displayed rare grit, patience, and class over the course of 400 deliveries, smashing 39 fours and six sixes in the process.
His monumental innings not only set a national record but also placed him among cricket’s all-time greats. He joins an elite club of players who have scored over 350 runs in a single Test innings. The only players above him are Brian Lara (400* and 375), Matthew Hayden (380), and Mahela Jayawardene (374). That puts Mulder fifth on the list of highest Test scores by a batsman, and the youngest South African to reach those heights.
Selfless Leadership: Why He Didn’t Chase the 400
Perhaps even more memorable than the score itself is how Mulder chose to end his innings. At lunch on Day 2, with his personal score at 367 not out—just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s all-time Test record—Mulder declared South Africa’s innings. His decision stunned the cricketing world, but it was quickly hailed as an act of sportsmanship and team-first leadership.
Mulder later told reporters, “Brian Lara is a legend. That 400* is a piece of history, and I believe it should remain his.” His coach, Shukri Conrad, supported the move, highlighting that the declaration wasn’t just selfless but also strategic—giving the Proteas more time to bowl Zimbabwe out twice and secure a win.
Historic Pace and Global Rankings
Mulder’s innings wasn’t just monumental in size—it was incredibly efficient. He reached his triple century in just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket, behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort in 2008. This combination of speed and scale makes Mulder’s knock one of the most dominant ever witnessed in the longer format of the game.
Here’s how he ranks among the top five Test innings of all time:
| Rank | Player | Score | Opponent & Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brian Lara | 400* | vs England, 2004 |
| 2 | Matthew Hayden | 380 | vs Zimbabwe, 2003 |
| 3 | Brian Lara | 375 | vs England, 1994 |
| 4 | Mahela Jayawardene | 374 | vs South Africa, 2006 |
| 5 | Wiaan Mulder | 367* | vs Zimbabwe, 2025 |
South Africa’s Tactical Brilliance
Mulder’s historic innings formed the backbone of South Africa’s dominant display in the second Test. Declaring at 674/3, the Proteas bowled Zimbabwe out for 170 in their first innings and quickly enforced the follow-on. Mulder further contributed with the ball, taking two wickets and reinforcing his status as a true all-rounder.
The early declaration and follow-on were part of a calculated push for a quick win and a clean sweep of the series. Following their 328-run victory in the first Test, South Africa is now poised to secure their 10th consecutive Test win—a testament to the team’s current form and Mulder’s transformative leadership.
Legacy Moment: More Than Just Numbers
While the cricketing world is rightly celebrating Mulder’s historic 367*, his legacy may be defined more by the values he demonstrated than the numbers he posted. In choosing team success over personal records, Mulder has become a global ambassador for sportsmanship in a time when individual milestones often dominate headlines.
Reactions from around the world have praised his humility. Legendary figures, fans, and analysts alike have labelled his declaration a “gentleman’s statement” and “a masterstroke in leadership.” The innings has ignited discussions about what it truly means to be a modern-day role model in sport.
Wiaan Mulder Joins Cricket’s Pantheon
As the world searches for the “highest Test score by a batsman,” it must now acknowledge Wiaan Mulder’s 367 not out—an innings of both brute skill and profound humility. By refusing to chase Lara’s record and putting his team first, Mulder didn’t just earn a place in the top five Test scores of all time—he earned a place in the hearts of millions.
South African cricket has found in Mulder not only a prolific batsman but a leader of character. His 367* is not just a sporting achievement—it is a reminder that greatness in sport is often defined as much by what you give up as by what you achieve.
