Cricket
Mulder smashes 264* as Proteas dominate day one in Bulawayo─── MORGAN PIEK 08:05 Mon, 07 Jul 2025
The Proteas all-rounder and captain Wiaan Mulder recorded the seventh-highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket on day one of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.
South Africa batted first and reached an imposing 465/4 in 88 overs before stumps were called.
Mulder led from the front with a genuine captain’s innings, finishing unbeaten on 264 off just 259 deliveries. The in-form skipper struck 34 boundaries and cleared the ropes with sixes three times, showcasing his dominance with the bat.
He received solid support from David Bedingham, who chipped in with a composed 82, while teenager Lhuan-Dré Pretorius once again impressed with a fluent 78 off 87 balls.
David Bedingham and Wiaan Mulder. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket
In the first Test, Mulder scored a superb 147 in the second innings, which was at the time his highest score in international cricket. To put his current innings into context, Jacques Kallis’s highest Test score was 224 against Sri Lanka in Cape Town – though the legendary all-rounder did accumulate 13,289 Test runs in his illustrious career.
Mulder is now just 48 runs shy of breaking Hashim Amla’s South African Test record of 311 not out. Whether he can get there will depend on how he navigates the Zimbabwean bowling attack on Monday morning.
Bedingham, who shared a 184-run third-wicket partnership with Mulder, praised his captain’s performance and said that it also means a lot for the team as it was also inspiring.
“There was nothing funny out there. I think Wiaan’s quite a serious guy when he’s at the crease,” said Bedingham.
“But for him to bat all day – what did he score, 260-odd? – I know how hard he’s worked over the past five years. It’s not just the last three months.
“He’s wanted this for so long. He’s put in the work, and I’m really, really happy and chuffed for him.
Wiaan Mulder and Lhuan-Dré Pretorius. Photo: Zimbabwe Cricket
“As a team, we genuinely celebrate each other’s successes, but I think seeing Wiaan do so well means even more to everyone in the dressing room.”
Zimbabwe found little joy with the ball, but Tanaka Chivanga stood out with figures of 2/85 from 18 overs, while Kundai Matigimu and Wellington Masakadza each picked up a wicket.
Play at Queens Sports Club resumes on Monday morning at 10:00, with Mulder and Dewald Brevis resuming the Proteas’ innings.
