South African Test cricket has witnessed some truly commanding performances over the years, but few matches have captured the imagination of fans quite like their recent encounter with Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Not only did South Africa secure one of their largest victories by an innings, but the game will forever be remembered for Wiaan Mulder’s astonishing unbeaten 367, an innings that shattered national records and demonstrated remarkable selflessness when he declared with a world record within reach.
Here are the top 5 biggest victory margin for South Africa in Tests:
1. Innings & 273 runs vs Bangladesh – 2024
South Africa’s largest-ever win by an innings came just months earlier in Chattogram. The Proteas dominated from start to finish, racking up a huge first-innings total before their bowlers made quick work of the Bangladeshi lineup in both innings. Tony de Zorzi’s phenomenal 177 runs in the first innings crowned him player of the match. In bowling Kagiso Rabada once again delivered with the ball with a fifer, which led to the huge margin of victory, an innings and 273 runs, spoke volumes about the gulf between the two sides and highlighted South Africa’s growing prowess in subcontinental conditions.
2. Innings & 254 runs vs Bangladesh – 2017
Back on home turf, South Africa delivered a clinical performance against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein. The batters set the tone with a massive total, and the bowlers maintained relentless pressure, dismissing Bangladesh twice with ease. In the first innings of the match, Proteas scored a mammoth total of 573 runs, helped 4 centurions. The innings and 254-run victory was a showcase of South Africa’s ability to dominate visiting teams with both bat and ball.
3. Innings & 236 runs vs Zimbabwe – 2025
The 2025 Test in Bulawayo stands out as a landmark in South African cricket history. Mulder’s epic 367 not out was the centerpiece, setting a new benchmark for South African batsmen and placing him among the highest individual scorers in Test history. Zimbabwe were completely outplayed by South Africa’s powerful batting and consistent bowling, struggling to fight back in both innings. The Proteas’ win by an innings and 236 runs wasn’t just a huge margin on paper, but also showed their strong teamwork and leadership.
Also READ: From Brian Lara to Wiaan Mulder: Top 5 highest individual scores in Test cricket history
4. Innings & 229 runs vs Sri Lanka – 2001
At Newlands, South Africa put on a show against Sri Lanka, combining a powerful batting display with disciplined, incisive bowling. After Lankan’s bundled out for 95 runs in the first innings, Proteas put up a remarkable batting performance where Daryll Cullinan scored a brilliant ton. Proteas bowled out Sri Lanka twice to secure an innings and 229-run win . This match remains a classic example of South Africa’s home-ground strength and their knack for seizing control early and never letting go.
5. Innings & 220 runs vs West Indies – 2014
Rounding out the list is South Africa’s emphatic victory over the West Indies at Centurion. The Proteas were in command from the outset, with their batters building a formidable score and their bowlers ensuring the West Indies never found their footing. Hashim Amla scored a double century in the first innings and Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander troubled the Windies batters. The innings and 220-run margin reinforced Centurion’s reputation as a stronghold for South African cricket.
Also READ: Top 5 highest individual scores for South Africa in Test cricket ft. Wiaan Mulder
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