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South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder etched his name in cricketing history with an extraordinary unbeaten 367 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, marking the fifth-highest individual score ever recorded in Test cricket.
Wiaan Mulder slams monumental 367 for South Africa against Zimbabwe
Playing in his 21st Test, and captaining South Africa for the very first time, Mulder struck a remarkable 49 boundaries and 4 sixes in his 334-ball marathon, lifting his team to 626/5 before declaring at lunch on Day 2.
His innings saw him move just behind four legendary innings on the all-time list: Mahela Jayawardene, Brian Lara (twice) and Matthew Hayden. Despite being only 33 runs shy of Lara’s world-record 400*, Mulder chose to declare the innings, showcasing team-first leadership over personal milestones.
Mulder’s effort saw him become just the 29th player in Test history to breach the 300-run mark and only the second South African to do so after Hashim Amla’s 311 not out in 2012. Resuming Day 2 on unbeaten 264, the 26-year-old brought up his triple century within the first hour, needing just 297 deliveries, the second-fastest in Test history after Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball triple ton against South Africa in 2008.
Top 5 highest individual scores for South Africa in Test cricket:
5. Daryll Cullinan – 275 vs New Zealand in Auckland, 1999
Daryll Cullinan‘s elegant unbeaten 275 was scored against New Zealand in the first Test at Eden Park, Auckland, from February 27 – March 3, 1999.
- The innings: Cullinan came in at number four and batted for an extended period, displaying classical technique and a wide range of strokes. He anchored the innings, allowing other batsmen to play around him. His innings lasted over 10 hours and 58 minutes (658 minutes) and he faced 490 balls. He hit 27 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing his ability to both grind down the opposition and accelerate when opportunities arose.
- Match result: South Africa declared their first innings at a formidable 621/5. New Zealand were bowled out for 352 in their first innings and, after being forced to follow on, ended their second innings at 244/3, resulting in a draw. Cullinan’s innings was a testament to his immense concentration and batting prowess, and it held the record for the highest individual Test score by a South African for over a decade before AB de Villiers surpassed it.
4. Graeme Smith – 277 vs England in Birmingham, 2003
Graeme Smith‘s commanding 277 came against England in the first Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 24-28, 2003. This was his first Test as captain in England and a remarkable start to his leadership.
- The innings: Opening the batting, Smith led from the front with a powerful and determined innings. He formed a massive 338-run opening partnership with Herschelle Gibbs (179). Smith’s innings was characterized by his strong off-side play and his ability to convert starts into big scores. He faced 373 balls and struck 35 fours, punishing anything wide or short. He showed immense resilience and concentration against the English bowling attack.
- Match result: South Africa declared their first innings at 594/5. England responded with 408. South Africa then declared their second innings at 134/4, setting England a target of 321. The match eventually ended in a draw, with England finishing on 110/1. Despite the draw, Smith’s colossal innings was a defining moment of the series, announcing his arrival as a formidable Test captain and opener. He followed this with another double century in the very next Test, making the 2003 series a landmark in his career.
3. AB de Villiers – 278 vs Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, 2010
AB de Villiers‘ scintillating unbeaten 278 was scored against Pakistan in the second Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, from November 20-24, 2010.
- The innings: De Villiers came in at number five after South Africa had lost early wickets. He built significant partnerships, notably with Jacques Kallis (105) and Mark Boucher (45). His innings was a showcase of his unique batting style – a blend of orthodox strokes and audacious innovation. He was quick to dispatch anything loose and displayed excellent control against both pace and spin. He faced 418 balls, hitting 23 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his ability to accelerate the scoring rate.
- Match result: South Africa declared their first innings at 584/9. Pakistan responded with 434, and the match ultimately ended in a draw. While the match itself didn’t produce a winner, de Villiers’ innings was the highlight, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic batsmen in world cricket. It stood as the highest score by a South African batter for almost two years until Amla surpassed it.
2. Hashim Amla – 311 vs England at The Oval, 2012
Amla’s monumental unbeaten 311 came in the first Test against England at The Oval, London, from July 19-23, 2012. This innings was a masterclass in patient, disciplined, and ultimately devastating Test match batting.
- The innings: Amla came to the crease after Smith provided a solid start. He then formed a record-breaking 377-run partnership for the third wicket with Kallis, who himself scored a magnificent 182 not out. Amla’s innings was characterized by his serene temperament, exquisite timing, and minimal false shots. He batted for an incredible 790 minutes (over 13 hours), facing 529 deliveries. His 35 fours were all crisply struck, demonstrating his classical technique.
- Match result: South Africa declared their first innings at a colossal 637/2. England were then bowled out for 240 in their first innings and 102 in their second innings, leading to a comprehensive innings and 12-run victory for South Africa within four days. Amla’s innings not only set a new South African individual Test record at the time but also laid the foundation for a dominant series performance that saw South Africa clinch the series 2-0 and achieve the number one Test ranking. His endurance and ability to wear down the English bowlers were key.
1. Wiaan Mulder – 367 vs Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, 2025*
Mulder’s monumental, unbeaten 367 came in the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo in July 2025. Facing 334 balls, Mulder’s innings was adorned with a staggering 49 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing an aggressive yet composed approach. South Africa, with Mulder at the helm as stand-in captain, declared their first innings at a colossal 626/5. This declaration, made at lunch on Day 2, came despite Mulder being on the cusp of breaking Lara’s world record of 400 not out, prioritizing the team’s opportunity to force a result. As of the current time (July 7, 2025), the match is ongoing, with South Africa in a dominant position after their declaration. Mulder’s innings not only set a new national record but also underscored his leadership and batting prowess.
