Mulder Achieves Record-Breaking Feat in Test Captaincy Debut

BULAWAYO: Wiaan Mulder of South Africa made history on Sunday at the Queens Sports Club, establishing a new record during his first Test match as captain against Zimbabwe.

The 27-year-old cricketer, captaining the Proteas in a Test for the first time, achieved an undefeated score of 250 runs. This remarkable performance marks the highest individual score by a captain in their Test debut.

He exceeded the previous record held by Graham Dowling of New Zealand, who scored 239 against India in Christchurch in February 1968.

Mulder, batting at the number 3 position, reached the 250-run milestone in just 244 balls during the 84th over of South Africa’s initial innings. He achieved this feat after being bowled by Tanaka Chivanga at 247, but received a reprieve due to a no-ball.

Prior to Mulder’s impressive innings, only two other captains had managed to score double centuries in their inaugural Test match as captain: Graham Dowling (239) and Shivnarine Chanderpaul of the West Indies, who posted an unbeaten 203 against South Africa in Georgetown in 2005.

Highest Scores in Debut Test as Captain

The right-handed batsman formed two significant partnerships, reinforcing South Africa’s commanding position.

He partnered with David Bedingham for 184 runs for the third wicket, with Bedingham scoring a rapid 82 off 101 balls. Subsequently, he established a 217-run partnership for the fourth wicket alongside Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who contributed 78 runs off 87 balls.

With the opportunity to score a triple century, Mulder has the chance to become the first player in the 148-year history of Test cricket to score 300 runs in their first match as captain, a feat that has never been accomplished.