Mulder was close to scoring 400 runs, but the team declared an innings, fans said – ‘It seems Brian Lara threatened ..’
South Africa captain Vian Mulder scored a historic innings of 367* runs in the second Test against Zimbabwe, but Brian Lara remained just 33 runs away from breaking a record of 400 runs. Team management declared the innings, causing fans on social media.
In the second Test being played in Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo, South Africa’s stand-in captain Vian Mulder played an innings that would be remembered for a long time. Mulder scored an unbeaten 367 runs in 334 balls with the help of 49 fours and 4 sixes. But when he was just 33 runs away, the biggest personal score in cricket history (400*of Brian Lara) declared the innings.
This innings of Mulder was not only his biggest innings so far, but he also demolished many records. He scored the biggest personal score for South Africa in Test cricket, overtaking Hashim Amla’s 311* run record. He also became only the seventh batsman to score 350+ runs in Test cricket history.
Not only this, Mulder also broke the record of the highest run (277+85 = 362) in a test of Grame Smith. In addition, he recorded the biggest personal score in Test cricket abroad, leaving behind Hanif Mohammed’s 337 runs. On Bulavio’s flat pitch, Mulder washed the Zimbabwe bowlers fiercely and it seemed that he would cross the 400 figure. But then the team management declared the innings at 626/5.
After this decision, there was a ruckus on social media and there was a flood of fun but sharp comments on Twitter. A user tightened up and wrote, “It seems that Mulder had received a threatening phone call from Brian Lara, otherwise what else could be the reason for declaration of innings?” Another user wrote, “Zimbabwe could not chase this score even in two innings, yet declared the innings!” At the same time, an angry fan said angrily, “Who took this decision? The worst is the worst cricketing decision. Did the West Indies Board offer crores to the team?”
Surely, Mulder Got a Threatening Call from Brian Lara, only explanation I can think of. I mean, zimbabwe surely isn’t chasing this in two straight innings.
-Nunya-beejwax (@nunyabeejwax) July 7, 2025
Who the hell even made this decision. This is soo poor. So so poor from always involved. What did the West Indies Cricket Board Offer You Guys Like Millions of Dollars or somenting. This is the WORST CRICKETING Decision I Have Ever Seen.
– Surajh Rambaran (@kungfumino9) July 7, 2025
It is clear from these reactions that the fans wanted to see Vian Mulder scoring 400 runs and the decision to declare the innings did not like them at all.
