Let the legend keep the record, Mulder says on not chasing Lara's 400

Dubai: All eyes was on South African captain Wiaan Mulder as he batted brilliantly against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club on Monday. But he shocked everyone when he declared the innings just 33 runs shy of breaking Brian Lara’s world Test record, citing deep respect for the West Indies legend.

Mulder smashed an unbeaten 367 — the highest score ever by a South African and the fifth-highest in Test history — before choosing to declare at lunch on day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe. South Africa ended their innings on a commanding 626 for five.

His decision came despite being within reach of Lara’s iconic 400 not out against England in 2004.

“Brian Lara is a legend,” Mulder said after the day's play. “He scored 401 or whatever it was — well, 400 — and for someone of that stature to keep the record is pretty special. If I had the chance again, I think I’d make the same call.”

Mulder consulted head coach Shukri Conrad before declaring, and the two were in agreement.

“He told me, ‘Let the legend keep the record.’ You never know what your future holds, but honoring someone like Lara just felt right,” Mulder added.

The decision didn’t come at a cost competitively. Zimbabwe, overwhelmed by South Africa's massive total, were dismissed for 170 and followed on. They reached 51 for one in their second innings by stumps.

Mulder also contributed with the ball, taking two wickets and holding a sharp catch at slip as Zimbabwe's batting line-up faltered. Their only bright spot was Sean Williams, who was restricted from batting until the fall of five wickets due to time off the field with illness. He struck a rapid 83* off just 55 balls.

Resuming on 264 not out, Mulder became just the second South African to score a Test triple century, reaching 300 from 297 balls — the second-fastest triple ton in Test cricket history, behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort in 2008.

He surpassed Hashim Amla’s previous South African record of 311 not out with consecutive boundaries off pacer Blessing Muzarabani. His final tally included 49 fours and four sixes from 334 deliveries, as Zimbabwe's bowlers struggled for answers.