Wiaan Mulder Honors Brian Lara by Declaring on 367, Says Test Cricket Legend Deserves to Keep Record*
South African captain Wiaan Mulder chose legacy over records as he declared on 367 not out, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s world-record 400 in Test cricket.*
BULAWAYO, July 6, 2025 – South Africa’s stand-in Test captain Wiaan Mulder has drawn global attention after declaring the innings on 367 not out, the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket history, during the second Test match against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo.
Mulder’s decision came despite having plenty of time and opportunity to chase down Brian Lara’s legendary 400 not out, the highest individual Test score, set against England in 2004. Instead, the 27-year-old chose to prioritize the team’s strategy and honor Lara’s status as a cricketing icon.
“Brian Lara is a legend, let’s be real. For someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special,” Mulder said in a post-innings interview with SuperSport.
Mulder, leading the Proteas for the first time, ended South Africa’s first innings at 626-5 declared, emphasizing that the decision was made in the team’s best interests and out of respect for the game’s greats. Coach Shukri Conrad reportedly supported the move, telling Mulder to “let the legends keep the really big scores.”
A Record-Breaking Yet Humble Knock
- 367 not out – Highest individual Test score by a South African
- 2nd South African to score a Test triple-century after Hashim Amla (311*)
- 5th-highest individual score in Test history
- Scored 300 in 297 balls, the second-fastest Test triple century ever
Mulder’s innings began on 264* on day two, but he chose to walk off at lunch, despite having over four days left in the match. His gesture echoes the sportsmanship of Mark Taylor, who declared on 334* in 1998 after equaling Don Bradman’s iconic score.
Top 5 Highest Individual Test Scores
- 400 – Brian Lara*, West Indies vs England, 2004
- 380 – Matthew Hayden, Australia vs Zimbabwe, 2003
- 375 – Brian Lara, West Indies vs England, 1994
- 374 – Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka vs South Africa, 2006
- 367 – Wiaan Mulder*, South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2025
Mulder’s historic knock also made him just the 33rd player to score over 300 in Test cricket, and he passed on the chance to become only the 12th player in history to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket.
Coincidentally, Mulder was on the field when Sam Northeast scored 410 for Glamorgan* in 2022 — the most recent quadruple-century in first-class cricket.
As Zimbabwe followed on after being dismissed for 170, South Africa remained in control, but the spotlight remained on Mulder’s selfless act.