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Test cricket, the ultimate examination of a cricketer’s skill and resilience, has witnessed some truly monumental individual performances with the bat. These are innings that transcend mere centuries, stretching into the realm of triple and even quadruple hundreds, leaving an indelible mark on the record books.
Wiaan Mulder’s historic feat in Bulawayo
Recently, the cricketing world held its breath as South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder threatened to rewrite history, amassing an astonishing 367 not out in 334 deliveries against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2025. The massive knocks involve 43 fours and 4 maximums. While he ultimately chose to declare the innings, just shy of the all-time record, Mulder’s innings stands as a testament to his burgeoning talent and places him firmly in the elite company of batters who have produced the most prolific individual scores in the game’s longest format.
Here are the top 5 individual scores in Test cricket:
1. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 400 not out vs England, St. John’s, 2004
The undisputed king of Test batting records, Brian Lara holds the unique distinction of scoring the highest individual score in Test cricket – an unbeaten 400 against England in St. John’s, Antigua, in 2004. His unbeaten 400 was a masterpiece of concentration, elegant strokeplay, and calculated aggression, a testament to his genius and his ability to perform under immense pressure. This innings remains a solitary peak in Test cricket, a target that continues to inspire awe and challenge future generations.
2. Matthew Hayden (Australia) – 380 vs Zimbabwe, Perth, 2003
The second record for the highest individual Test score belonged to Australia’s powerful opener, Matthew Hayden. His blistering 380 against Zimbabwe in Perth in 2003 was a display of sheer brute force and relentless scoring. Hayden, known for his aggressive approach, pulverized the Zimbabwean bowling attack on a fast Perth pitch, reaching his triple century at an astonishing pace. While his record was short-lived, Hayden’s 380 cemented his place as one of the most destructive openers of his era.
Also READ: Top 5 highest scores by an England wicketkeeper in Test cricket ft. Jamie Smith
3. Brian Lara (West Indies) – 375 vs England, St. John’s, 1994
Lara’s first entry into the record books came in 1994, when he scored a majestic 375 against England, once again in St. John’s. His classical technique, combined with his exquisite timing and ability to find gaps, allowed him to accumulate runs with both elegance and efficiency. This knock was characterized by its immense patience and artistry, setting a new benchmark for individual brilliance in Test cricket and foreshadowing the even greater feat he would achieve a decade later.
4. Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – 374 vs South Africa, Colombo, 2006
Sri Lankan maestro Mahela Jayawardene crafted a magnificent 374 against South Africa in Colombo in 2006, an innings that holds the distinction of being the highest score by a right-handed batsman in Test history. This epic knock was part of a record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with Kumar Sangakkara, which further underscored its significance. Jayawardene’s innings was a blend of grace, exquisite timing, and a deep understanding of his home conditions. He meticulously built his innings, punishing anything loose and displaying a vast array of strokes.
5. Wiaan Mulder (South Africa) – 367 not out vs Zimbabwe, Bulawayo, 2025
The most recent addition to this illustrious list, Mulder’s unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2025 has created a stir in the cricketing world. As stand-in captain, Mulder showcased extraordinary composure and a newfound aggressive streak, dominating the Zimbabwean attack from the moment he walked to the crease. His innings was a captivating blend of powerful hitting and calculated risks, as he propelled South Africa to a formidable total. While the strategic decision to declare the innings meant he fell tantalizingly short of Lara’s world record, Mulder’s 367 is now the highest score by a South African in Test history and the fifth highest overall.
Also READ: Top 5 batters with most runs in a single Test ft. Shubman Gill
