Islamabad, July 7, 2025: South Africa captain Wiaan Mulder played a memorable knock on day one of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, recording the seventh-highest individual score by a South African in Test cricket.
Batting first, South Africa recorded a huge total of 465/4 in just 88 overs before stumps.
Wiaan Mulder led the way with a stunning unbeaten 264 runs from only 259 balls. He smashed 34 boundaries and sent the ball over the ropes three times, showing total command with the bat.
He was well supported by David Bedingham, who made a steady 82, while young Lhuan-Dré Pretorius continued to impress with a classy 78 off 87 deliveries.
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In the previous Test, Mulder had already scored a brilliant 147, which was his best score in international cricket until now. His latest innings has now put him within touching distance of Hashim Amla’s South African Test record of 311 not out. Mulder needs just 48 more runs to break that mark, and all eyes will be on him when play resumes.
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Bedingham, who shared a crucial 184-run stand with Mulder, praised his captain’s grit.
“There was no funny business out there. Wiaan is serious at the crease,” Bedingham said. “He batted all day, scoring over 260. I’ve seen his hard work for years. He deserves this.”
Zimbabwe’s bowlers had little to celebrate. Tanaka Chivanga grabbed 2/85 in 18 overs, while Kundai Matigimu and Wellington Masakadza took a wicket each.
Play continues on Monday morning at Queens Sports Club, with Mulder and Dewald Brevis at the crease.
