Wiaan Mulder etched his name into South African cricket folklore on Monday, becoming only the second player from his country to score a triple century in Test cricket. The 27-year-old all-rounder achieved the feat during the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, joining Hashim Amla, who had famously struck 311 not out against England at The Oval in 2012.
What made Mulder’s innings even more special was the manner and speed with which he reached the landmark. His 300 came off just 297 deliveries, making it the second-fastest triple century in Test history—behind only Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort against South Africa in 2008.
Leading the side in the absence of Keshav Maharaj, Mulder not only showcased his class but also became the highest scorer by a batter in their first innings as South Africa’s Test captain.
Mulder’s incredible knock had begun on Sunday, when he blazed his way to 264 runs on the opening day — the most ever by a South African in a single day of Test cricket and the second-most by any batter on day one in Test history.
His double century, which came off 214 balls, was the second-fastest by a South African, behind Herschelle Gibbs’ 211-ball double ton against Pakistan in 2003.
Batting at No. 3, Mulder steadied South Africa after early jitters and forged two massive partnerships — 184 runs with David Bedingham and 217 with Lhuan-dre Pretorius — to help the visitors post a formidable total after Zimbabwe chose to bowl. His brilliant innings has placed the Proteas in complete control as they look to seal the series 2-0.
