Wiaan Mulder knows a thing or two about pressure moments, and about putting the team before the milestone.
The Joburg Super Kings’ newest recruit arrives for the 2026 Betway SA20 with the echo of 2025 still ringing loudly: a year when the unassuming allrounder found himself at the epicentre of global debate after declaring on 367 not out as stand-in Proteas Test captain, falling just 33 runs short of Brian Lara’s iconic 400.
It was a decision that divided opinion, but it also underlined Mulder’s cricketing compass, one that always points towards the collective.
That mindset now anchors his mission with the Super Kings as they chase a maiden SA20 final.
“I’m quite confident going into the SA20. And I think as a team, it’s quite clear what we’re trying to achieve and how we’re trying to get closer to win those small moments,” Mulder said.
“Because that’s what these tournaments are about, is winning those small moments and winning those games that you think, yes, we’re just behind there, but we find a way to win.”
JSK’s pursuit of a seam-bowling allrounder has been a lingering subplot across previous seasons. Head coach Stephen Fleming finally found the missing piece at the auction, with Mulder fitting the role like a well-worn glove.
“I think if you looked at the auction, you kind of understood what they’re looking for in someone like me and the role that they are looking for me to play,” he said.
“Which is predominantly batting in the middle, I’d say, and bowling in the middle… Maybe one over at the back end, maybe one over in the Powerplay… and just having an impact wherever I’m involved.”
Yet beyond tactics and balance sheets, this chapter carries a deeper emotional pull. Mulder’s return to the Wanderers, the Bullring where his professional journey first sparked as a St Stithians schoolboy, feels like cricket coming full circle.
“Being back at home is obviously really special. It’s my favourite stadium in South Africa, probably in the world to be honest,” he said.
“It’s just good to be at home in some place that’s not foreign, especially in a big tournament.”
“The Bullring, I think, speaks for itself really. I think it’s got so much cricketing history. And the best ground in South Africa, in my opinion.”
“It feels like the fans are on top of you… the boundary feels really close… so there’s always high-scoring games. And as a player, the energy is insane.”
That energy will crackle on New Year’s Day when Mulder makes his home debut for the Super Kings against Durban’s Super Giants, a fitting stage for a player who thrives when the crowd leans in and the margins tighten.
