South Africa's Wiaan Mulder recently made headlines not just for his stellar performance but for his sportsmanship in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Mulder, leading the Proteas for the first time, declared his innings at 367 not out, just 33 runs shy of Brian Lara's legendary 400 not out record set in 2004 against England.

Mulder's decision was driven by both strategic team considerations and a deep respect for Lara's monumental achievement. "First things first, I thought we'd got enough and we need to bowl," Mulder explained. "And secondly, Brian Lara is a legend, let's be real. He got 400 against England and for someone of that stature to keep that record is pretty special."

This gesture not only underscores Mulder's maturity as a player but also his reverence for cricket's history. His 367 not out now stands as the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket history and the highest by a South African. Mulder's innings began with a stroke of luck when he was bowled on 247 by Zimbabwe's Tanaka Chivanga, only for replays to reveal a no-ball. He capitalized on this reprieve, accelerating to a triple-century in just 297 balls, the second-fastest in Test cricket.

Mulder's decision to declare rather than chase Lara's record has drawn comparisons to other legendary moments in cricket history, such as when Mark Taylor declared on 334 not out, equalling Don Bradman's record. Taylor's decision was similarly motivated by respect for the game's legends.

Mulder's innings is a testament to his growing stature in international cricket. Promoted to bat at number three, he has shown versatility and resilience, traits that will serve South Africa well in future matches. His 367 not out is not just a personal milestone but a chapter in the rich tapestry of Test cricket.

Highest Individual Scores in Test Cricket

• **400*** - Brian Lara for West Indies v England, Antigua 2004
• 380 - Matthew Hayden for Australia v Zimbabwe, Perth 2003
• 375 - Brian Lara for West Indies v England, Antigua 1994
• 374 - Mahela Jayawardene for Sri Lanka v South Africa, Colombo 2006
• **367*** - Wiaan Mulder for South Africa v Zimbabwe, Bulawayo 2025

Mulder's innings also brings attention to the rarity of such monumental scores in Test cricket, with only 33 individual scores exceeding 300 in the history of the game. His decision to prioritize team success over personal glory is a reminder of the values that make cricket a gentleman's game.