**, we dive into this remarkable story that’s buzzing across the cricket world.](https://america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Wiaan-Mulder-photo.jpg)
South Africa’s cricket chief, Wiaan Mulder, shocked many in the second Test with Zimbabwe. He was batting at 367 not out, just 33 runs from beating Brian Lara’s famous 400 not out. Yet, he picked to end the game. Why? His choice was to honor a legend and put his team first. At AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we look into this big cricket news.
On July 7, 2025, in Bulawayo, Mulder led his team to a huge 626 for 5. His hit had 49 fours and 4 sixes off 334 balls. Fans saw him nearing Lara’s record from 2004 against England. But, Mulder had a different plan. After talking with coach Shukri Conrad at lunch on Day 2, he chose to stop. “I thought we had enough runs,” Mulder said to SuperSport. “Brian Lara is a big name. He should keep that record.”
This was more than about runs. Mulder, as captain for the first time, wanted to let his bowlers finish the match. South Africa, already leading 1-0, got Zimbabwe all out at 170. Mulder got two wickets and a catch. By the day’s end, Zimbabwe was 51-1 in their second round, back by 405 runs. The choice was right, setting South Africa up for a win.
Mulder’s 367* is now the fifth top Test score. It’s also the best by a South African, past Hashim Amla’s 311*. Here are the top five scores:
| Player | Score | Opponent | Year | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Lara | 400* | England | 2004 | Antigua |
| Matthew Hayden | 380 | Zimbabwe | 2003 | Perth |
| Brian Lara | 375 | England | 1994 | Antigua |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 374 | South Africa | 2006 | Colombo |
| Wiaan Mulder | 367* | Zimbabwe | 2025 | Bulawayo |
Info from ESPNcricinfo
**, we dive into this remarkable story that’s buzzing across the cricket world.](https://i0.wp.com/america112.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/chart-53.png?resize=751%2C433&ssl=1)
Mulder’s play was top-notch. He began Day 2 at 264*, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers in trouble. His 300 came from 297 balls, the second quickest in Test history after Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball show. From 300 to 367, it took just 37 balls. To keep in line, Mulder sang “Zombie” by The Cranberries during his seven-hour play.
Coach Shukri Conrad said, “Wiaan’s innings was amazing. Batting at No.3, facing new balls, and staying calm—it was a masterclass.” Conrad’s push to “let the legends keep the big scores” shaped Mulder’s choice. For some, this showed modesty. Yet, some thought he should’ve aimed for the record. On X, fans were split. Some said it was “selfless” and “fair.” Others thought it was rude to Zimbabwe, hinting they were too weak to come back.
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Lara’s 400* stays a high point in cricket. The West Indies star set the record twice—first with 375 in 1994, then 400 in 2004. He also has the top first-class score of 501*. Mulder, at 27, felt chasing personal high might not be right. “You never know what’s meant for me,” he said. “But Lara keeping that record seems right.”
South Africa stayed strong. Prenelan Subrayen, in his first game, got 4-42. Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams hit back with a quick 83 off 55 balls, but it was not enough. South Africa’s bowlers, led by Mulder, kept it tight. Their 626-5 was their best in nine years, showing their power as World Test Championship winners.
For more cricket news, check out AMERICA NEWS WORLD. We cover the latest in sports, from India vs England to ICC ranks. Stay with us for live scores and player talk. Mulder’s tale is not just about runs—it’s about respect, teamwork, and hard choices. What do you think of his choice? Tell us at america112.com.
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