Wiaan Mulder’s stunning 367* in the second Test against Zimbabwe was the stuff of dreams. But what happened next left the cricket world divided. Just 33 runs away from equalling Brian Lara’s iconic 400*, Mulder chose to declare South Africa’s innings on 626 for 5, sparking fierce debate across the cricketing fraternity. One of the loudest voices of disapproval came from West Indies legend Chris Gayle. Speaking to talkSPORT, Gayle didn’t hold back. “If I had the chance to get 400, I would go for it,” he said. “That kind of opportunity doesn’t come often in Test cricket. He panicked. He blundered. He blew it big time.” Mulder, captaining South Africa for the first time, said he didn’t want to break a record held by a “legend” and revealed that head coach Shukri Conrad told him, “Let the legends keep the big scores.” But Gayle wasn’t convinced. “You don’t become a legend by stepping away from records. You become one by chasing them,” he added.
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Should Wiaan Mulder have gone for the 400 runs?
Despite the missed milestone, Mulder made history in his own right. His 367* became the highest individual score by a South African in Tests and the highest ever made by a batter outside their home country. Still, Gayle’s words echoed the feelings of many fans. “It doesn’t matter if it’s Zimbabwe or Australia. A Test triple or quadruple century is a Test century. You take it. That’s cricket,” he said. South Africa went on to win by an innings and 236 runs, but the bigger story might just be the one that got away.
