Cricket World's Player of the Week - Wiaan Mulder, South Africa

Wiaan Mulder etched his name into the history books with a stunning unbeaten 367 — the highest individual score ever by a South African in Test cricket and the fifth-highest of all time — on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club on Monday.

In a moment that showcased not only his immense talent but also his character, Mulder declared the South African innings at 626 for five, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s legendary world record of 400 not out. The decision, he explained, was made out of deep respect for the West Indies great.

“Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 against England, and for someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special,” Mulder said. “If I get the chance again, I’d do the same.”

His decision was backed by head coach Shukri Conrad, who echoed the sentiment: “Let the legend keep the record.”

Beyond his extraordinary knock, Mulder made an impact with the ball and in the field, taking two wickets and holding a sharp catch in the slips as Zimbabwe were dismissed for 170 and forced to follow on. South Africa had total control of the match, with Zimbabwe at 51 for one in their second innings at stumps.

Resuming the day on 264*, Mulder reached his triple century in just 297 balls — the second-fastest in Test history behind Virender Sehwag. He surpassed Hashim Amla’s previous South African best of 311* with back-to-back boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani, underlining his dominance.

In total, Mulder struck 49 fours and 4 sixes in a commanding 334-ball innings that dismantled Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. His composure, sportsmanship, and leadership set a powerful example for the cricketing world — proving that greatness is not just measured by records, but by the spirit in which the game is played.

Mulder faced 334 balls and hit 49 fours and four sixes off an increasingly dispirited and largely toothless Zimbabwe bowling attack.

"I've never even dreamed of getting a double hundred, let alone a triple hundred," said Mulder.

"When I started playing for South Africa I was nowhere near good enough but it gave me the opportunity to learn from great players."

Click here to read article