New Delhi: South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder had a day to remember in Bulawayo as he announced his arrival as Test captain in grand style with a historic double ton on Day 1 of the second Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club on Sunday.
He stepped in as stand-in skipper and walked out to bat at No.3 with confidence, leading his side from the front. He reached his double hundred before tea and crossed the 250 mark in the 84th over. At just 27, Mulder has now etched his name into the record books, becoming the only third player in Test history to score a double century in their first innings as a captain.
Wiaan Mulder brings up a sensational double century! 💪🔥
An absolutely phenomenal innings, showcasing pure class and composure on Day 1 of this second Test. 🇿🇦
Take a bow, skipper! 👏🏏 #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/W5qpPk6sxd
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)
Mulder surpassed New Zealand’s Graham Dowling’s record of 239 against India in Christchurch in 1968 and West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who remained unbeaten on 203 against South Africa in Georgetown in 2005.
With this double ton, he even became the fourth South African to register a double century on the first day of a Test. He follows in the footsteps of Gary Kirsten (2001), Graeme Smith (2022,2008) and Herschelle Gibbs (2003), leaving his imprint in the South Africans’ tradition of producing strong leaders at the top.
Most runs in first Test as a Captain
| Player | Team | Runs | Opponent | Venue | Date |
| Wiaan Mulder | South Africa | 250* | Zimbabwe | Bulawayo | July 2025 |
| Graham Dowling | New Zealand | 239 | India | Christchurch | Feb 1968 |
| Shivnarine Chanderpaul | West Indies | 203* | South Africa | Georgetown | Mar-Apr 2005 |
| Clem Hill | Australia | 191 | South Africa | Sydney | Dec 1910 |
| Joe Root | England | 190 | South Africa | Lord’s | July 2017 |
| Alastair Cook | England | 173 | Bangladesh | Chattogram | Mar 2010 |
| Vijay Hazare | India | 164* | England | Delhi | Nov 1954 |
| Clive Lloyd | West Indies | 163 | India | Bengaluru | Nov 1974 |
What makes Mulder’s knock even more impressive is the ease with which he adapted to the pressures of captaincy. His composed approach, well-timed strokes, and ability to anchor the innings demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, raising hopes for South Africa’s red-ball future.
With this remarkable innings, Mulder has not only given his side a strong start but also a statement about his readiness to take on the leadership role for the Proteas.
