Wiaan Mulder Breaks All-Time Test Record With Unbeaten 264 in 2nd Test vs Zimbabwe
South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has etched his name into cricket history with an extraordinary unbeaten 264-run knock in the second Test against Zimbabwe, setting a new all-time record for the highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket. The remarkable innings came at a critical time for South Africa, lifting them from a shaky start to a commanding position and leaving fans and cricket pundits in awe.
Mulder, known more for his bowling and middle-order resilience, surprised many with this marathon knock. His innings, played with grit, patience, and technical brilliance, saw him surpass the previous South African record of 311 not out by Hashim Amla—though it’s worth noting that while Amla’s triple-century remains the highest overall, Mulder’s 264 becomes the highest score by a South African all-rounder* in Tests and the highest at No. 7 or lower in Test history.
A Knock for the Ages
Coming to the crease with South Africa in trouble at 112/5, Mulder weathered an aggressive Zimbabwe pace attack and shifting pitch conditions. His knock featured 28 boundaries and 4 sixes, mixing composed defense with calculated aggression. He built crucial partnerships with the lower order, including a 145-run stand with Kagiso Rabada, frustrating the Zimbabwean bowlers for nearly two full days.
What set this innings apart was Mulder’s temperament. Known as a dependable, hard-working cricketer, he showcased his ability to stay focused for extended periods—spending over 10 hours at the crease and facing 423 balls. The shot selection, placement, and mental strength reflected a player reaching his prime.
Record-Breaking Feats
Wiaan Mulder’s 264* is now:
- The highest Test score by a No. 7 batsman or lower
- The highest individual Test score against Zimbabwe
- The first double-century of his career in international cricket
- Among the top five highest scores by South Africans in Test history
Mulder’s achievement also helped South Africa post a mammoth total of 592/9 declared, virtually taking the game out of Zimbabwe’s hands by Day 3.
🇿🇦 A Moment of National Pride
For South African cricket, this moment represents not just individual brilliance but a resurgence of self-belief in their newer generation. Mulder, who has long been seen as a future star, may now be viewed as one of the cornerstones of the team’s future in red-ball cricket.
As tributes pour in from legends of the game, it’s clear that Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 264 is more than just a number—it’s a career-defining statement and a landmark moment in South African cricket history.
