Wiaan Mulder’s unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe has become a topic of debate after the South African intentionally stopped short of cricket immortality while chasing Brian Lara’s record of 400 runs in a single innings.
In a remarkable show of humility, Wiaan Mulder — standing in as South Africa’s Test captain — chose to declare the innings at 626/5 during the second day of the recent Test in Bulawayo, just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara’s legendary score, which remains the highest individual score in international Test cricket. While his decision sparked a wave of debate, one of the most intriguing reactions came from Lara himself.
Mulder revealed in a recent interview with SuperSport that the West Indies great reached out after the match and suggested that the record was meant to be broken and that Mulder should have tried.
“He said to me I’m creating my own legacy and I should have gone for it,” Mulder shared. “He said records are there to be broken and he wishes if I’m ever in that position again, I actually go and score more than what he had.”
Brian Lara remains the only batter to score 400 not out in a Test innings, and while several have come close, Mulder looked all but certain to break the barrier before settling for the fifth-highest Test score.
Still, despite Lara’s blessing, Mulder remains at peace with his call.
“You never know what is destined for me,” Wiaan Mulder said after the match. “But Brian Lara keeping that record is exactly the way it should be. He got 400 against England — for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I’ll probably do the same thing.”
The decision to declare paid dividends as South Africa wrapped up victory inside three days but many were left thinking Mulder had surrendered his chance at cricketing immortality.
At 27, Wiaan Mulder has time on his side. If form and fortune align again, he may find himself in a similar position — only this time, he might just take the legend’s advice.