Hazlewood and Starc perfect finals streak ends in WTC 2025 defeat

Australian speedsters Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc experienced their first-ever career final defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Both pacers had previously played in numerous finals across international, domestic, and T20 leagues, never losing a single one, until now. The Proteas ended their 27-year ICC title drought, lifting the prestigious WTC mace for the first time.

Hazlewood bowled 34 overs across both innings, managing only two wickets, which proved less effective against South Africa’s batting lineup. Meanwhile, Starc delivered 27.4 overs, claiming five wickets, showing glimpses of good bowling but struggling to contain the Proteas.

But the duo made a significant impact with the bat, stitching together a 59-run partnership for the 10th wicket, which helped Australia extend their total. Starc remained unbeaten on 58, ensuring his team set a target of 282 runs.

Australia posted 212 runs in the first innings, with Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) leading the charge, while Kagiso Rabada delivered a stellar performance, claiming a five-wicket haul. In response, South Africa struggled in their first innings, getting bowled out for 138, with the help of skipper Pat Cummins with a six-wicket haul, which gave the Aussies a 74-run lead.

Australia fought back in their second innings, putting together 207 runs. However, Rabada continued his dominance, securing four more wickets in the second innings, and Lungi Ngidi took three wickets under his name.

The Temba Bavuma-led team needed to chase 282 runs against Australia. The opener Aiden Markram led from the front with 136 runs, guiding the Proteas to a historic victory. Bavuma, despite sustaining a hamstring injury, played a crucial role by scoring 66 runs. He is remaining unbeaten as captain, holding a record of nine wins and one draw in Test cricket.

Bavuma makes history as 1st unbeaten skipper to win WTC

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Bavuma makes history as 1st unbeaten skipper to win WTC

Finals played and won by Josh Hazlewood:

Finals played and won by Mitchell Starc: