Historic Leadership from Day One
On Sunday, July 6, 2025, South Africa’s stand-in captain, Wiaan Mulder, made an explosive start to his captaincy in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club.
His 264* stands as the highest-ever score by a player in their first Test innings as captain, surpassing New Zealand’s Graham Dowling’s 239 from 1968. Milestone-Heavy Masterclass
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Century in 118 balls, double century in 214 balls — marking the second-fastest double hundred by a South African.
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Mulder is now the third player ever (and the first South African) to record a double century on Test captaincy debut, joining Dowling and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Partnerships That Defined the Day
After early wickets (Tony de Zorzi for 10, and debutant Lesogo Senokwane for 3), Mulder rebuilt the innings witha alongside David Bedingham (82). This was followed by a blistering 217-run partnership with teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius (78), helping South Africa reach a commanding 465 for 4 by stumps.
Records Broken in One Day
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Highest individual score on captaincy debut (264*)
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Fastest South African 250-driven innings (243 balls)
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Most runs by a South African in a single day of Test cricket
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Second-fastest Test double century in South African history (214 balls
Context: Against the Odds
South Africa fielded a depleted squad, missing key players from their recent World Test Championship win. 47-run innings, helping SA secure a 328‑run victory. Now, he’s struck again—this time as skipper—cementing his authority and earning plaudits for leading from the front.
Looking Ahead
South Africa will resume on , with Dewald Brevis (15*) alongside Mulder at the crease. The team is eyeing a 2–0 series sweep. With Zimbabwe’s bowling attack under pressure and South Africa well ahead, momentum is firmly with the tourists.
