On 7 July, during the Test match being held against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder made a move that shocked the cricket enthusiasts. Mulder declared himself when he was at the crease with 367 runs, and only 34 runs short of Brian Lara world record of 400 runs.
So close to history, yet so far
Just think, till date there have been 3234 Test cricketers in the whole world, but only one player has scored 400 runs – Brian Lara of West Indies. Wiaan Mulder could have broken that record, but he did not do so.
- Wiaan Mulder – A decision that surprised everyone
On 7 July, against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, Wiaan Mulder created a very emotional and memorable turning point in Test cricket history. He was unbeaten on 367 – he could have broken Brian Lara’s record of 400 runs with just 34 more runs. But he declared the innings at lunch.
Does a player back out of making history even after being so close? Molder did.
- Was it just a decision to win the game?
Moulder said, “We should always keep the main objective in mind, and that is to win the Test.” His statement touched many hearts. He said that the team’s victory is more important than the record. But did he let go of this opportunity just for the team’s victory?
- Respect for Brian Lara
Moulder said in his statement, “Letting a player like Lara keep his record is a respect for the game.” This statement shows that Molder is not just a batsman, but a sensitive player who understands the tradition of greatness.
- Ahead of Hashim Amla, but with regret
Moulder’s 367 also broke Hashim Amla’s South Africa record of 311 runs. “I’ve worked with Hash over the last few years, and it’s a bit sad to leave him behind,” Moulder said.
- Wiaan Moulder – before and after
Moulder, who once managed just 272 runs in 19 innings, has transformed himself under coach Shukri Conrad. In the last 15 innings, he has scored 881 runs, 3 centuries, and is now a permanent No. 3.
- A new leadership, a new Moulder
When captain Temba Bavuma was injured, Wiaan was given the captaincy in the second Test. This was the first time he captained in first-class cricket. “The more responsibility Wiaan is given, the better he performs,” the coach said.
- A true team player
Wiaan Molder proved that individual records are not the only thing that matters in cricket. His thinking was that if I keep playing and make a record, will it be of any benefit to the team? No. But by declaring the innings, he put pressure on the opposition and made the path of victory easy for the team.
- Distance from the media, but depth in words
Molder was initially not comfortable in front of the media, but with time his thinking and words also changed. Now he is not only a great player, but also gives very serious and sensible answers in the interviews given after the match.
- South Africa on the way to victory
By winning this Test, South Africa can win their 10th Test in a row – which will be the first time in their history. Molder said, “The main thing is to win the Test, not the individual record.”
- Why Viaan? Now the answer is clear
Whenever asked, “Why Viaan?”, the answer will not be just that he scored 367 runs. But because he respected the game, gave priority to the team, and gave cricket a better direction.
October 9, 2025