July 06, 2025: Wiaan Mulder’s incredible run of form hit a new high as the 27-year-old all-rounder etched his name into the history books by becoming just the third South African — and the first in 70 years — to score a century on captaincy debut in Test cricket. Mulder’s unbeaten 100 came against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, where he stepped up as stand-in skipper in the absence of Keshav Maharaj.
The feat places Mulder alongside legends Herbie Taylor, who scored 109 against England in Durban in 1913, and Jackie McGlew, who made an unbeaten 104 at Manchester in 1955.
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Walking in with South Africa struggling at 24/2, Mulder showcased his trademark counterattacking style, reaching his ton in just 116 balls with 14 boundaries. His century in the second session helped stabilize South Africa’s innings and highlighted his knack for converting starts: he has now passed 50 four times in his Test career, with three of those scores converted into centuries.
This latest ton follows his 147 in the second innings of the first Test against Zimbabwe, marking back-to-back hundreds for the Proteas’ new leader. Mulder is now averaging an impressive 62.22 with the bat since the start of 2024, underlining his emergence as a key figure for South African cricket.