Wiaan Mulder is optimistic about the future of South African cricket after their dominant displays against Zimbabwe.

The Proteas, who won the World Test Championship last month, triumphed in the first match by 328 runs before closing the series out with an innings and 236-run victory. 

Mulder made history in the second Test as his unbeaten 367 is the fifth-highest score in the longest format, and the all-time highest for a South African.

The all-rounder was the stand-in captain in Bulawayo after both Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj were sidelined with injuries.

Mulder was proud to lead his country for the first time and believes the Proteas have a bright future ahead.

Mulder said in his post-match interview: “It was super special, it’s something I had dreamt of as a kid, to captain your country is one of the biggest honours you can get as a cricketer.

An unforgettable series for Wiaan Mulder. A truly exceptional batting display, amassing 531 runs across the two Tests 

His dominant form not only earned him the Player of the Match honour in the second Test, but also the richly deserved Player of the Series award .… pic.twitter.com/iXlxVJXUxL

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) July 8, 2025

“So it was a super proud moment for me and my family and I am glad I could make the guys proud.

“I think a lot of guys put up their hands [over the series]. Everybody really contributed in their own ways and that is promising for South African cricket, and I am excited to see how they go.”

Dewald Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Codi Yusuf, Lesego Senokwane and Prenelan Subrayen all made their debuts for South Africa in this series, with many of their first-choice players rested.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, have now lost each of their last four Tests after previous defeats to both England and Bangladesh.

Captain Craig Ervine was particularly disappointed in their performance in the second Test.

“There were a lot of positives we took out of the first test, hoping to rectify our mistakes but the second Test didn't go as planned. A lot of work to be done,” said Ervine.

“It's not easy for the group when you lose your premier opener in Brian Bennett. Prince went down with a flu. [Dion] Myers unfortunately didn't take his chance.”

Ervine, though, did see some positives.

“There are a lot of lessons; the way South African bowlers grouped, we can learn from that. From Wiaan Mulder, the tempo at which he batted, didn't change too much. We can learn a fair bit,” he added.

“It is time for us to show it out in the middle. Enough has been said, it's time to put it into action.”