ZIM Vs RSA, 2nd Test: Wiaan Mulder Declares With Him Not Out On 367; Dale Steyn, Tabraiz Shamsi Left Perplexed

In one of the most bizarre declarations in the history of the game, Wiaan Mulder on Monday decided not to pursue the legendary Brian Lara's record of highest individual score in Test cricket. Mulder, the stand-in captain, was batting on 367 at Lunch on the second day of the South Africa vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test. Standing just 33 runs shy of Lara's epic 400, Mulder decided to not go for the record and instead declared the innings with South Africa at 626/5.

The 27-year-old Mulder was going all guns blazing, demolishing record after record in his career-best outing. With a triple century in 297 deliveries, Mulder now has the record of the second-fastest triple century in Test history — behind only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort against South Africa in 2008. The right-handed batter, who also bowls medium pace, slammed 49 fours and 4 sixes in his marathon effort which lasted 334 balls.

Follow Zimbabwe Vs South Africa Live Score, 2nd Test Day 2

The decision left fans and cricketers both perplexed as there was enough time in the match to get a result even if Mulder would have taken a few overs in order to chase down Lara's 400.

Legendary South Africa seamer Dale Steyn also could not make sense of the declaration.

Taking to X, Steyn wrote, “SA will win this Test with a day to spare, those few overs after lunch would never haunt them. 400 was a deserved. That said 367 is an amazing achievement. Congratulations Wessie!”

Proteas left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi wrote on X: “No man no no no... why the declaration. So much time left in the game. Could have told him he's got 5 overs to go out there and smash it to try and get to 400.”

Legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga too wanted Mulder to go for the record.

"An epic knock from Wiaan Mulder," Malinga wrote on X. "I truly believe he should have gone for the record though. It’s only Day 2, and a few more overs wouldn’t have changed the final result. Moments like these are what kids dream of when they start playing cricket, and they rarely come twice."

Zimbabwe vs South Africa 2nd Test

Riding on Mulder's record-breaking 367 not out, South Africa posted a mammoth 626/5 in just 114 overs before declaring. Apart from Mulder, David Beddingham and Lhuan-dre Pretorius also scored quick half-centuries. All Zimbabwe bowlers were smashed all around the park but Tanaka Chivanga and Kundai Matigimu managed to get a couple of wickets each as well.