South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder delivered a stunning performance on Day One of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, smashing an unbeaten 264 on his captaincy debut. Stepping in as skipper in the absence of Keshav Maharaj, Mulder became only the third player in Test history to score a double century in their first innings as captain, joining an elite list that includes Graham Dowling and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Mulder walked in at No. 3 after the early dismissal of both openers — Tony de Zorzi and Lesego Senokwane — and held the innings together in spectacular fashion. He batted with control and aggression, reaching his 250 in the 84th over as South Africa posted a dominant 465/4 in just 88 overs.
He received strong support from David Bedingham (82 off 101) and Lhuan-dre Pretorious (78 off 87), who added valuable middle-order runs. At stumps, Mulder remained unbeaten alongside *Dewald Brevis (15* off 16).
With this innings, Mulder became the 33rd Test captain to score a century in their debut match as skipper. He also became only the third to reach a double hundred in that scenario and the fourth South African to notch a double century on the first day of a Test, after Gary Kirsten, Graeme Smith, and Herschelle Gibbs.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled throughout the day. Tanaka Chivanga managed to pick up two wickets for 85 runs in 18 overs. Kundai Matigimu and Wellington Masakadza claimed one wicket each but were expensive.
Mulder’s heroics set up a massive platform for South Africa heading into Day Two, and the Proteas will look to build on this momentum as they continue their dominant display in Bulawayo.
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