South African all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has captured everyone's attention with a stellar performance in the first Test match between South Africa and Zimbabwe being played in Bulawayo. Mulder's excellent batting on the third day put the team in a b position.
SA vs ZIM: In the first Test match being played at the Bulawayo ground, South Africa's emerging all-rounder Wiaan Mulder has won the hearts of cricket lovers. On the third day, Mulder not only excelled with the ball but also put his team in a b position with the bat. After taking 4 important wickets with the ball, he scored a brilliant century in the second innings, pushing Zimbabwe onto the back foot.
This innings by Mulder is also considered special because it is his second century in his Test career, and he steadied his team in very difficult circumstances. Mulder completed his century, scoring 13 fours and 1 spectacular six off 149 balls. His performance has proved that he can become a big all-rounder for South Africa in the coming years.
First the ball and then the bat
The importance of all-rounders in Test cricket is always different. Wiaan Mulder gave South Africa the lead by taking 4 wickets in Zimbabwe's first innings. Zimbabwe's batsmen had no answer to his swing and length. 4 wickets for 32 runs was his best performance. After this, when South Africa came out to bat in the second innings, the team looked under pressure at one point.
But Mulder, showing an excellent mix of patience and aggression, not only saved wickets but also maintained the run rate. His century gave South Africa a lead of more than 350 runs, which could prove to be an almost impossible challenge for Zimbabwe in the current circumstances.
7th South African batsman to score a century in 2025
This century by Mulder is the 7th Test century scored by South Africa in 2025. Interestingly, so far this year, 7 different batsmen from South Africa have scored centuries, which shows the team's depth and balance. These centurions include Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne, Aiden Markram, Luan-dré Pretorius, Corbin Bosch, and now Wiaan Mulder.
If we look at Mulder's statistics, he made his Test debut in February 2019 and has scored more than 750 runs in 20 Tests so far. His average is 25.82, but interestingly, he has more centuries (2) than half-centuries (1) in his career. He has also taken 35 wickets in bowling. This performance will be considered outstanding as an all-rounder.
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma
- Kyle Verreynne
- Aiden Markram
- Luan-dré Pretorius*
- Corbin Bosch*
- Wiaan Mulder*
A mountain-like target for Zimbabwe
Speaking of the Bulawayo Test, South Africa, batting first, declared their innings at 418/9. In reply, Zimbabwe's team was bundled out for 251 runs. The bowlers, led by Wiaan Mulder, did not give the opposing team much chance. In the second innings, South Africa crossed the 200-run mark with the help of Mulder's century and took the total lead to over 350 runs. From here, it seems difficult for Zimbabwe to save this match as well, because the bounce and damage in the pitch on the fifth day will help the bowlers even more.
