South Africa`s stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder declared the innings after scoring an unbeaten 367 runs in 334 balls. His knock included 49 boundaries and four maximums.
He was just 33 runs away from breaking Brian Lara`s record of the highest-ever individual score in the history of Test cricket. Previously, Lara registered the score of an unbeaten 400 runs, which came after facing 582 balls, in 2004. His knock saw him smash 43 boundaries and four maximums.
Speaking about the declaration, Mulder told Shaun Pollock in the post-match interview, “You never know what is destined for me, but Brian Lara keeping that record (of the highest score in Tests) is exactly the way it should be”.
“I thought we got enough from the new ball, and secondly, Brian Lara is a legend. He got 400 against England, for someone of that stature, to keep that record is pretty special. I think if I get the chance again, I will probably do the same thing”, he added.
Mulder, with his knock, broke several records. He created history by becoming the highest scorer in a debut innings as captain in the longest format of the game. He then achieved the record of becoming the player to record the fastest-ever 250 runs in terms of balls by a South African.
Earlier, when he was batting on 264 runs, he became the South African to register the highest score in a single day of a Test match. In addition, the right-hander also hit the second-fastest double century by a South African player.
Along with Mulder, David Bedingham smashed 82 runs off 101 deliveries, including seven boundaries, followed by Lhuan-dre Pretorius` knock of 78 runs in 87 balls. His knock was laced with seven boundaries and three maximums.
South Africa bundled out Zimbabwe for 170, making them follow on after Mulder`s knock set up the platform nicely for the visitors.
The current ICC World Test Championship holders are already leading the two-match series 1-0, after beating Zimbabwe by 328 runs in the first Test.
So far, Zimbabwe is trailing by 405 runs after putting on a total of 51 runs for the loss of one wicket.
(With ICC Inputs)
