Mulder’s record-breaking triple ton puts Proteas on brink of series sweep

Wiaan Mulder’s record-breaking triple century on Day two of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo has placed South Africa within nine wickets of victory and a 2-0 series whitewash.

Starting the day on 267 – just seven runs short of equalling Graeme Smith’s record for the highest Test score by a South African captain – Mulder made swift progress. He passed Smith and then Hashim Amla’s 311 with a crisp cover drive off Blessing Muzarabani to move into uncharted territory.

Mulder, who had barely celebrated his previous achievements in this series, showed visible delight upon reaching the highest individual Test score by a South African. By lunch, his unbeaten 367 had already secured fifth place on the all-time individual scores list, behind only Brian Lara (twice), Matthew Hayden and Mahela Jayawardene.

Needing just 33 more runs to become only the second player to reach a quadruple century in Test cricket, Mulder instead opted to declare South Africa’s innings closed on 626/5, bringing his epic knock to a close and shifting the focus to the bowlers.

Having fielded for 114 overs and staring at a daunting total, Zimbabwe’s reply started poorly as Codi Yusuf struck with the very first ball of the innings. He went on to finish with 2/20, while debutant Prenelan Subrayen impressed with figures of 4/42 as the hosts were skittled for 170.

Mulder (2/20), Corbin Bosch (1/27) and Senuran Muthusamy (1/59) also chipped in with the ball to enforce the follow-on after just 43 overs.

In their second innings, Zimbabwe showed more resistance, reaching stumps at 51/1 with Kaitano unbeaten on 30 and trailing by 405 runs. The Proteas will be aiming to take the remaining nine wickets quickly on Day three to seal a comprehensive victory.

SCORES

South Africa: 626/5 declared

Wiaan Mulder 367; Tanaka Chivanga 2/112

Zimbabwe: 170 all out

Sean Williams 83; Prenelan Subrayen 4/42

Zimbabwe (following on): 51/1 

Takudzwanashe Kaitano 30*; Corbin Bosch 1/21

South Africa need nine wickets to win