Wiaan Mulder made a memorable debut as Test captain with a record-breaking unbeaten 264, leading South Africa to a dominant 465 for 4 on the opening day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on 6 July.
In what became a historic innings, Mulder surpassed Graham Dowling’s 56-year-old record for the highest score by a batter in their first innings as Test captain. Dowling’s 239 for New Zealand against India in 1968 had stood the test of time until Mulder went past 240 in the 81st over of the day. He closed the day unbeaten on 264, the highest ever for a debut Test skipper’s innings, entering an elite club that also includes Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 203 not out in 2005.
His innings underpinned South Africa’s total domination of a depleted Zimbabwe attack on a tough day for the hosts. South Africa piled on 222 runs in the final session alone, as Zimbabwe wilted in the Bulawayo heat. Mulder’s double-century was his maiden in Test cricket and came at a time when regular captain Keshav Maharaj was unavailable due to a groin injury.
Mulder’s knock was not without fortune. On 91, he top-edged a pull off Blessing Muzarabani which landed safely between fine leg and deep square. Later, he was bowled by Tanaka Chivanga on 247, only for replays to reveal a costly no-ball. The day’s frustrations for Zimbabwe were further compounded by dropped catches and errant bowling, particularly after debutant Kundai Matigimu picked up a niggle and struggled to bowl at full intensity.
South Africa’s innings had started with two early wickets, as Tony de Zorzi fell to a sharp catch at gully and debutant Lesego Senokwane was trapped lbw by Wellington Masakadza. From 24 for 2, Mulder and David Bedingham steered the innings into calmer waters with a 184-run stand for the third wicket. Bedingham played a composed hand of 82, showing control against both spin and pace before being trapped lbw by a nip-backer from Chivanga.
Mulder then found another sturdy partner in teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius. The pair added 217 runs for the fourth wicket in just over 33 overs, as the Zimbabwe attack looked increasingly toothless. Pretorius, fresh off a century in the first Test, played freely for his 78 off 87 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes. He looked set for another hundred before top-edging a heave off Matigimu to mid-on, shortly after the second new ball was taken.
At stumps on day one, South Africa were firmly in control, with Mulder still at the crease and the score at 465 for 4.