Wiaan Mulder was on the verge of making history. On the second day of the second Test between South Africa and Zimbabwe, the right-hander still needed 34 runs to surpass Brian Lara's record and become the all-time highest run scorer in Test cricket. Based on the speed with which the 27-year-old was racking up his runs, Mulder would have needed just 5–6 overs to become the second player in the history of the sport to reach 400 runs in a single Test innings.

With the team score at 626/5, though, Mulder opted to prioritize his team as the Proteas stand-in captain chose to announce the innings. With the help of 49 fours and 4 sixes, the all-rounder maintained his undefeated streak with 367. Given that there were still 11 sessions left in the competition, the choice to declare is even more concerning.

On social media, followers haven't responded well to Mulder's performance. His choice to end the inning, even though he was just on the verge of making history, is being criticized by netizens.

Rahul Dravid's appeal is also being brought up by supporters. It should be noted that despite Sachin Tendulkar's 194 not out, Dravid, who served as the interim captain for the Multan Test against Pakistan in 2004, called the innings.

Here are some of the fan reactions:

Dale Steyn and Tabraiz Shamsi criticise Mulder

Even Dale Steyn and Tabraiz Shamsi found it difficult to understand Mulder's decision. Both expressed their frustration on social media.

Taking to X, Steyn wrote, “SA will win this Test with a day to spare, those few overs after lunch would never haunt them. 400 was a deserved. That said 367 is an amazing achievement. Congratulations Wessie!”

On the other hand, Tabraiz Shamsi wrote, “No man no no no... why the declaration. So much time left in the game. Could have told him he's got 5 overs to go out there and smash it to try and get to 400.”

Wiaan Mulder now holds the record for the highest individual score by a South African batter, surpassing Hashim Amla's 311-run knock against England in 2012. 

He also holds the record for the highest score by a batter in an away Test. He also slammed the second-fastest triple-century. He brought up the feat of just 297 balls.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa had won the opening Test of the series. Mulder had scored a century in the second innings of the series opener as well. 

Read Also: Ben Stokes Snaps at Bumrah Questions Post-Edgbaston Loss

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!