In one of the most astonishing stories of recent Test cricket, Wiaan Mulder was 33 runs from cricketing history. His immense, undefeated 367 has now moved to second behind Brian Lara (400 not out) in terms of Test scores by South Africans — but remains untouched.
But to cricket fans the world over what was more bewildering than Mulder’s majestic innings was the timing of South Africa’s declaration, with many asking: why pull the plug so close to history?
🏏 Mulder’s KnockM:ulder delivered a masterclass in patience and precision.
Arriving at a delicate time, Mulder then if not firmed up the innings, but certainly took a turn before spilling over with sumptuous strokeplay and hard graft. He batted with admirable restrain over several sessions, making the most of an obliging pitch and a tired bowling attack. His 367* included:
40+ boundaries,
About 55-60, so a good strike rate.
And an innings that stretched for well more than 10 hours.
He smashed various South African records along the way — overtaking Graeme Smith’s 277 — but he looked cool and calm and was in no hurry.
🏆 Lara’s 400: Still the Everest of Test Batting
Brian Lara’s 400 not out against England in 2004 is not just the highest score in Test history — it’s a cricketing perpetual-motion monument. Since, there have been quite a few near misses (Sehwag’s 319 & Jayawardene’s 374) but no one has been able to cross the line.
Finally, joined now by this one.” Mulder’s 367 is now yet another Beast that nearly made the cut.
📣 Why South Africa declared?
This is the million-dollar question.
South Africa eventually declared at 812/6, perhaps with:
Tactical advantage Enough time to bowl the opposition out twice.
Team-first mindset: Prize the win above any individual accomplishment.
Flatting out pitch: Fears they will be chasing a dead crumb if it had been much longer.
As the cricket world debated it, Mulder appeared unfazed — lifting his bat quietly, saluting the crowd and then joining his team to huddle ahead of the bowling innings.
📊 Mulder’s Marathon in Context
Player Score Opponent Year
Brian Lara 400* England 2004
Mahela Jayawardene 374 South Africa 2006
Matthew Hayden 380 Zimbabwe 2003
Wiaan Mulder 367* TBD 2025
Mulder’s score is now the fourth highest Test score of all time.
🗣️ Opposition From Cricket World
Allan Donald: “Well done, boys, really proud of that lad! This was special. That declaration though… brave.”
Michael Vaughan: “Mulder was robbed at a genuine shot of greatness. I don’t get the call.”
Fans on Twitter/X: A combination of heartbreak and admiration : “We saw greatness even if history was 33 runs away.”
🧠 Final Thoughts
Mulder’s 367* will go down in the books, not just for the enormity of the score, but for what he said after. It was a reminder that team values still matter more than individual glory, and a reflection, perhaps, of one of cricket’s enduring qualities in an increasingly personal-best-oriented age.
The game is richer for Mulder’s effort, even as Lara’s 400 survives another scare. And who knows? Perhaps this innings is the harbinger of an assault in future on that mythical figure.
Till then, Wiaan Mulder, we tip our hat to you—for your fight, your grace, your loyalty to the team.
