Virender Sehwag's World Record Remains as Wiaan Mulder Falls Short

Wiaan Mulder played a magnificent knock against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo as he became the fastest Proteas batter to score a triple century in Test Cricket. Even though he achieved the feat as the fastest player for South Africa, he could not break India’s destructive opening batter, Virender Sehwag’s long-standing world record.
Notably, Sehwag still holds the record for the fastest triple century in Test cricket. Virender Sehwag triple hundred came in just 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai back in 2008. Mulder came close but fell short as he reached his triple century in 297 balls. That makes it the second-fastest triple ton in the history of Test cricket.

Virender Sehwag World Record Safe

It was a huge moment for both Wiaan Mulder and South African cricket. The all-rounder displayed an exceptional batting performance during his marathon knock. He came in to bat at No. 3 and safely negotiated the new ball. Mulder faced several challenges but played a skipper's knock on his captaincy debut.

He took over Keshav Maharaj, who is not playing this Test match. Even though Mulder didn’t break Sehwag’s record, Mulder’s innings was historic. He led from the front in his first match as captain. He showed great skill, temperament, and hunger for big runs. This means that Virender Sehwag world record is still safe

South Africa finished day two in complete control. Mulder’s triple century gave them a huge advantage. The cricket world may still be waiting for someone to break Sehwag’s record. But Wiaan Mulder has already earned a place in history.

Memorable Start for Captain Wiaan Mulder

The 27-year-old Mulder kicked off his stint as South Africa skipper with a bang. He was performing as a stand-in for Temba Bavuma, who missed the match. Mulder came to bat at number three, making his captaincy debut extra special. He became only the second South African to score a triple hundred in Test cricket. The first was Hashim Amla, who scored an unbeaten 311 against England in 2012.

Wiaan also became the first-ever cricketer in history to score a triple century on captaincy debut in Tests, making it a proud moment for both him and his team. Mulder walked in early after an opening wicket fell in the tenth over. He started cautiously, playing five dot balls before scoring his first boundary. The Zimbabwe bowlers struggled on a flat pitch. They offered too many loose balls, and Mulder made full use of them. He punished every full and short delivery with ease. His timing and placement were perfect.

The right-hander struck 38 fours and 3 sixes in his innings, smashing the ball all around the ground. Mulder was seen strong on the leg side and down the ground. He quickly found a rhythm and never lost it.

Every big innings has a lucky moment. Mulder came when he was bowled by Tanaka Chivanga with a brilliant yorker. However, the joy for Zimbabwe was short-lived as the replay showed Chivanga had overstepped, declaring the delivery to be a no-ball, as Mulder got a lifeline. There were a few more edges during his innings, but they didn’t carry to the slip fielders. Mulder was clever and played with soft hands to avoid giving catches.

After he reached 200, Mulder batted with more aggression, treating the game like it was a One-Day or T20 match. The bowlers looked helpless as he moved closer to 300. Mulder got to 300 in the 100th over of the innings. He flicked a low full toss to square leg and ran the required runs while his teammates and fans gave him a standing ovation.