Hazlewood and Starc’s flawless finals run comes to an end with WTC 2025 loss

During the WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, Australian speedsters Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc suffered their first-ever career final loss. Up until recently, neither pacer had ever lost a final in their many appearances in domestic, international, or T20 leagues. For the first time, the Proteas lifted the coveted WTC mace, ending their 27-year ICC title drought.

Despite bowling 34 overs in both innings and taking just two wickets, Hazlewood’s effectiveness against South Africa’s batting order was diminished. Although he struggled to restrict the Proteas, Starc showed flashes of superb bowling in his 27.4 overs, taking five wickets.

With their 59-run stand for the 10th wicket, however, the pair made a big impression with the bat and helped Australia increase their total. With an undefeated score of 58, Starc made sure his team set a goal of 282 runs.

Australia amassed 212 runs in the first innings, led by Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72). Kagiso Rabada put on an outstanding display, taking five wickets. The Australians took a 74-run lead when South Africa struggled in their opening innings and was bowled out for 138, thanks to a six-wicket haul from captain Pat Cummins.

Australia rallied, scoring 207 runs in their second innings. But Rabada maintained his supremacy, taking four more wickets in the second innings, while Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets.

The side captained by Temba Bavuma had to chase 282 runs against Australia. With a lead of 136 runs, opener Aiden Markram guided the Proteas to an unprecedented triumph. Despite suffering a hamstring injury, Bavuma scored 66 runs and was instrumental. As captain, he has nine victories and one tie in Test cricket, keeping him undefeated.

Josh Hazlewood played in and won the finals:

Mitchell Starc played in and won the finals