1. Home
  2. Blogs
  3. Cricket

July 7, 2025

Wiaan Mulder creates history as first player to score double century on Test captaincy debut

Wiaan Mulder creates history as first player to score double century on Test captaincy debut
Follow us on WhatsApp for latest updates!
WhatsApp

In a sensational performance on the opening day of the second Test versus Zimbabwe, South Africa’s stand‑in captain Wiaan Mulder, 27, smashed an unbeaten 264, becoming the first cricketer in Test history to score a double century on his captaincy debut .

Mulder’s 264* eclipsed the previous highest score for a debutant Test captain—239 by New Zealand’s Graham Dowling in 1968.

The innings ranks as the fastest 250 by a South African in Tests (243 balls), and one of the highest scores ever on Day 1, surpassed only by Don Bradman’s 309 at Leeds in 1930.

Promoted to No. 3 in Maharaj’s absence, Mulder joined forces with David Bedingham (82) and youngster Lhuan‑dre Pretorius (78) to form imposing partnerships of 184 and 217 runs, respectively. South Africa closed on 465/4, exerting total dominance.

A dual-threat all-rounder, Mulder debuted in Tests in 2019. Before this knock, he’d scored a century (147) in the first Test, signaling consistency. He also became just the third South African after Herbie Taylor (1913) and Jackie McGlew (1955) to record a century on Test captaincy debut.

Mulder’s commanding innings not only marks a personal milestone but also offers South Africa a psychological edge in the two‑match series, having already won the first Test by 328 runs. The feat underscores his emergence as a genuine leadership and batting force.

Day 2 sees Mulder resume play alongside promising youngster Dewald Brevis, as South Africa bids to push beyond 500. Zimbabwe’s bowlers must regroup as they brace for more action in the afternoon session.

Wiaan Mulder's 264* stands as a historic and heartening performance—both as a captain’s initiatory declaration and a record-making landmark. His knock cements his place both in Records and South Africa’s future leadership.


Related Post