In early 2024, South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder made headlines when he scored a massive 367* in a domestic first-class match for Dolphins against the Warriors in South Africa’s 4-Day Franchise Series. When Dolphins were 513/4, Mulder (then unbeaten on 367) declared the innings instead of trying to break Brian Lara’s all-time record of 400* or even Graeme Pollock’s South African record of 274 (which he had already surpassed).
When asked about the decision, Mulder said:
“Let the legends keep the big scores.”
He explained that he didn’t want to chase personal milestones endlessly at the expense of the match. It was said by Mulder that enough time was needed by the team to bowl the opposition out twice and secure an outright win.. He also felt it was more respectful to the game to put the team first, and that Brian Lara’s iconic 419 runs deserved to stand as a special feat rather than being pursued in a lopsided situation.
This attitude was widely praised as unselfish and team-minded—Mulder put winning and respecting cricket’s history ahead of personal glory.
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South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder draws attention with huge innings
On Monday in Bulawayo, during the second Test against Zimbabwe, South African stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder impressed everyone by scoring an unbeaten 367 runs. What really surprised fans was that he chose to declare the innings instead of pushing for Brian Lara’s famous Test record of 400 not out, stopping just 33 runs short.
Why Mulder chose to declare on 367*
After play, Mulder spoke with former captain Shaun Pollock on SuperSport and shared why he decided to end the innings despite nearing a world record. He said he believed the team had scored more than enough runs and it was time to focus on bowling. He also mentioned that he wanted Brian Lara—a true legend of the game—to keep holding that special record.
“Firstly, I felt we had plenty on the board and needed to get bowling. Secondly, Brian Lara is one of the greats. He scored over 400 against England. Records like that belong with players of his level. Honestly, if I’m ever in the same situation again, I think I’d make the same choice,” Mulder explained.
