Wiaan Mulder created history in the second Test against Zimbabwe by smashing the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket. The South African all-rounder, who once left his country during the Kolpak era, became the first Test captain ever to reach this rare milestone.

Mulder Breaks Records with Speed and Style

Mulder reached 300 runs in just 297 balls. Only Virender Sehwag did it faster, hitting his triple hundred in 278 balls against South Africa in 2008. Mulder also became only the second South African to score a triple century in Test cricket. Hashim Amla was the first, with his unbeaten 311 against England in 2012 at The Oval.

Triple Century on Captaincy Debut

Mulder resumed Day 2 unbeaten on 264. He quickly crossed the 300-mark, making more history in the process. He became the first player ever to hit a triple century on his debut as Test captain. This broke the previous record held by New Zealand's Graham Dowling, who scored 239 against India in 1969.

He also surpassed Graeme Smith's 277 against England in 2003 to register the highest Test score by a South African captain. Additionally, his 264 on the first day of the match was the highest by any South African in a single day and the second-most by any batter on Day 1 in Test history.

Youngest Captain to Score a Triple Ton

At just 27 years and 138 days old, Mulder became the youngest Test captain to reach 300. He broke a 61-year-old record held by former Australian captain Bob Simpson, who was 28 when he scored 311 against England in 1964. Interestingly, India's Shubman Gill had recently missed the triple century milestone, falling for 269 at Edgbaston.

Solid Partnerships Cement South Africa's Control

Mulder batted at No. 3 and anchored South Africa’s innings with two big partnerships. He added 184 runs with David Bedingham and another 217 with Lhuan-dre Pretorius. These partnerships helped South Africa take firm control of the match after Zimbabwe chose to bowl first.

Mulder had earlier reached his double century in just 214 balls. That’s the second-fastest double century by a South African, only behind Herschelle Gibbs, who hit 200 off 211 balls against Pakistan in 2003.