The second Test match between South Africa and Zimbabwe, played at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from July 6 to 10, 2025, has set the cricketing world abuzz, and for Indian fans, it’s a story that resonates with the flair of a Bollywood blockbuster. South Africa, led by stand-in captain Wiaan Mulder, put on a batting masterclass, with Mulder’s historic triple century and sparkling performances from debutants stealing the show. This match, part of South Africa’s tour of Zimbabwe, has been a tale of records tumbling, young stars rising, and Zimbabwe fighting against the odds.
Mulder’s Monumental 367*: A Captain’s Knock for the Ages
Wiaan Mulder, stepping up as captain after Keshav Maharaj’s injury, walked into the spotlight with a performance that will be etched in cricket history. Batting at No. 3, Mulder smashed an unbeaten 367 runs off just 334 balls, a knock that included 49 fours and 4 sixes. For Indian fans, this is the kind of innings that reminds you of Virender Sehwag’s fearless strokeplay or Sachin Tendulkar’s marathon epics. Mulder’s 367* is now the fifth-highest individual score in Test cricket and the highest by a South African, surpassing Hashim Amla’s 311* against England in 2012.
What makes Mulder’s knock even more special is its speed. His triple century came off just 297 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history, only behind Sehwag’s 278-ball blitz against South Africa in 2008. On Day 1, Mulder ended unbeaten on 264, the second-highest score by any batter on the opening day of a Test, trailing only Don Bradman’s 309*. For a player who averaged just 26.20 in Tests before this match, this was a career-defining moment.
Mulder’s innings wasn’t just about personal glory. He built massive partnerships—184 runs with David Bedingham (82) and 217 with debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius (78)—to take South Africa to a towering 626/5 before declaring at lunch on Day 2. Indian fans can relate to this team spirit, much like when Kohli and Rahane stitched together big stands to dominate oppositions. Mulder’s decision to declare, just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s iconic 400*, sparked debates. Some, like former Proteas pacer Dale Steyn, felt he could have chased the record, but Mulder chose team victory over personal milestones, a move that earned respect across the cricket world.
Debutants Light Up Bulawayo
If Mulder was the hero, South Africa’s young guns were the supporting cast that made this Test a spectacle. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, a 19-year-old debutant, played a gritty 78, showing maturity beyond his years. His 217-run stand with Mulder was a game-changer, deflating Zimbabwe’s bowlers. Indian fans might see shades of a young Shubman Gill in Pretorius, with his calm approach and ability to handle pressure.
Corbin Bosch, another debutant, had already made waves in the first Test with a century and a five-wicket haul. In this match, he chipped in with a wicket in Zimbabwe’s second innings, proving his all-round worth. Prenelan Subrayen, making his Test debut, bowled beautifully, taking 4 wickets for 42 runs in Zimbabwe’s first innings. For Indian audiences, Subrayen’s off-spin might remind you of Ravichandran Ashwin’s early days, mixing control with sharp turn.
These youngsters, stepping up in the absence of stars like Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, and Kagiso Rabada, showed why South Africa’s bench strength is a force to reckon with. It’s like watching India’s next generation—think Yashasvi Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan—take charge when the seniors are rested.
Zimbabwe’s Brave Fight Falls Short
Zimbabwe, led by Craig Ervine, faced a mountain of runs after South Africa’s declaration. Their first innings folded for just 170 in 43 overs, with Sean Williams’ counter-attacking 83 off 55 balls being the lone highlight. Williams, battling illness, played with the kind of heart Indian fans admire in players like Cheteshwar Pujara, who grind it out against tough odds. However, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Subrayen and Codi Yusuf (2 wickets), were relentless, enforcing the follow-on.
In their second innings, Zimbabwe showed some grit, reaching 51/1 by stumps on Day 2, with Takudzwanashe Kaitano (34) and Nick Welch (6) holding firm. Still trailing by 405 runs, Zimbabwe need a miracle to save the match, much like India’s epic draw in Sydney in 2021, led by Ashwin and Vihari. But with South Africa’s bowlers firing, it’s a tall order.
Records Galore and a Nod to History
Mulder’s knock broke multiple records. He became the first captain to score a triple century on his Test captaincy debut and the first to score a triple ton in Tests in Zimbabwe. His 264 on Day 1 was the most by a South African in a single Test day, and his 49 fours are the second-most in a Test innings, behind only John Edrich’s 52. For Indian fans, these stats bring back memories of Sehwag’s boundary-hitting spree in his 319 against South Africa.
Mulder’s decision to declare also drew comparisons to Mark Taylor’s 1998 call to end his innings at 334*, matching Don Bradman’s highest score out of respect. Some fans on social media speculated Mulder’s declaration was a nod to Brian Lara, whose 400* remains untouched. This sportsmanship adds a layer of class to the drama, something Indian cricket lovers, who cherish moments like MS Dhoni’s gracious gestures, can appreciate.
Why This Matters for Indian Fans
For Indian cricket fans, this Test is a reminder of the beauty of the longer format. Mulder’s marathon knock mirrors the endurance of Rahul Dravid’s 270 in Rawalpindi, while the debutants’ performances echo India’s youth brigade stepping up in Australia in 2020-21. South Africa’s dominance, driven by a mix of experience and fresh talent, is a blueprint for success that India has mastered in recent years.
Zimbabwe’s struggle, meanwhile, reflects the challenges faced by smaller cricketing nations, much like Afghanistan or Ireland when they face giants like India. Sean Williams’ fighting 83 is the kind of knock that inspires underdogs, similar to Jason Holder’s defiant efforts against stronger teams.
What’s Next?
As Day 3 begins, South Africa are in the driver’s seat, eyeing a 2-0 series sweep after their 328-run win in the first Test. Zimbabwe need a Herculean effort to avoid defeat, but cricket is a game of miracles, and Indian fans know that better than most—think Kusal Perera’s 153* against South Africa in 2019. Whether Zimbabwe can pull off a great escape or South Africa seal their dominance, this Test has already given fans a story to remember.
For now, Wiaan Mulder’s 367* and the rise of South Africa’s young stars have lit up Bulawayo, proving that Test cricket, with its mix of grit, glory, and grace, remains the heart of the game. Indian fans, get ready for more drama as this Test unfolds!