Mulder’s Declaration at Lunch with Unbeaten 367 Stuns Cricket World

BULAWAYO: In a surprising turn of events, South Africa’s batting all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder, declared his team’s innings during lunch on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe. Mulder remained undefeated with a score of 367.

The 27-year-old, captaining the Proteas in a Test match for the first time, not only broke numerous significant records but also achieved the highest individual score for a South African batter in Test matches, surpassing Hashim Amla’s previous record.

Mulder came close to surpassing Brian Lara’s all-time record of 400, the highest individual score in Test cricket. However, the South African all-rounder chose not to pursue it.

He declared the team’s first innings at 626/5 during lunch on the second day, only 34 runs short of breaking Lara’s record.

As a result, Mulder now holds the fifth-highest individual score in the format, with an unbeaten 367 made from 410 balls, including 49 boundaries and four sixes.

Reactions to Mulder’s Declaration
Dale Steyn’s Disappointment

Former South African cricketer Dale Steyn expressed his disappointment, pointing out that Mulder could have taken advantage of a few overs after lunch to reach a ‘deserved’ 400-run milestone.

“[South Africa] will secure victory in this Test match with a day to spare; those few overs post-lunch would not have been detrimental. A score of 400 was within reach,” Steyn posted on X.

“Nonetheless, 367 is an incredible achievement. Congratulations, Wiaan!”

Tabraiz Shamsi’s Reaction

South Africa spinner Tabraiz Shamsi shared Steyn’s sentiments, suggesting that Mulder could have batted for another five overs to achieve the milestone.

“Why the declaration?” Shamsi posted, accompanied by crying emojis. “There’s ample time remaining in the game. He could have been given five overs to go out there and aggressively aim for 400.

“It’s fantastic that our bowlers are accurate and effective right away, but each time they take a wicket, I wonder if Wiaan could have batted for five more overs.”

Fan Reactions

Cricket enthusiasts were equally taken aback by Mulder’s decision, with many suggesting that he had made an error by not attempting to reach the milestone.

“I believe Wiaan Mulder made a mistake by not pursuing 400. It was only the second day, and he was 34 runs from making history, yet he chose to declare. A milestone such as 400 would be remembered for a long time. Nevertheless, much respect to him,” a user shared on X.

Conversely, some cricket fans viewed his decision as selfless and praised him for prioritizing the team’s interests.

“Great respect for captain Wiaan Mulder. On the second day, just before lunch, only 34 runs away from history, he declared the innings for the team. Not many would have made that decision. That’s selflessness, leadership, and legacy in action,” one user commented.