Aus vs SA: Mitchell Starc Breaks Shami’s Record in ICC Final

Aus vs SA: On the opening day of the World Test Championship Final, Mitchell Starc dismissed South Africa’s opening pair with his fiery spell. With those crucial wickets, Starc not only gave Australia a strong start but also etched his name in the record books by achieving a major milestone in Test cricket.

Aus vs SA: Mitchell Starc Breaks Shami’s Record, Becomes Top Wicket-Taker in ICC Finals

Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc delivered a historic performance on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, creating a major record with the ball. With just two crucial wickets against South Africa’s opening pair, Starc became the bowler with the most wickets in ICC tournament finals, surpassing India’s Mohammed Shami. His fiery spell stunned fans and set the tone for the match as Australia dismissed South Africa’s top-order in quick succession.

A Record-Breaking Spell in the WTC Final

The WTC Final 2025 began with drama as Australia’s first innings ended at 212 runs. But it was Mitchell Starc who stole the spotlight when South Africa came out to bat. Few would have expected the veteran left-arm pacer to strike in his very first over, but that’s exactly what he did. On the sixth ball of his opening over, Starc sent Aiden Markram back to the pavilion for a duck, giving Australia an explosive start.

Shortly after, Starc struck again, removing South Africa’s second opener, Ryan Rickelton, for 16 runs in his fifth over. These two quick wickets didn’t just give Australia the upper hand — they also marked a significant moment in cricket history.

Starc Breaks Shami’s Prestigious Record

Until now, Mohammed Shami held the record for the most wickets in ICC tournament finals, across formats like the WTC, ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy. The Indian speedster had taken 10 wickets in these high-pressure games.

However, Starc’s two wickets against South Africa took his tally in ICC finals to 11, making him the highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals history. His consistency and ability to perform on the grandest stages have earned him this remarkable achievement, showcasing his legacy as one of the finest pacers in modern cricket.

Top Wicket-Takers in ICC Tournament Finals (All Formats)

Mitchell Starc – 11 wickets (6 innings)
Mohammed Shami – 10 wickets (6 innings)
Trent Boult – 8 wickets (5 innings)
Ravindra Jadeja – 8 wickets (10 innings)
Kyle Jamieson – 8 wickets (3 innings)
Glenn McGrath – 8 wickets (5 innings)

Starc’s Stellar Test Career

Looking at his overall Test career, Mitchell Starc has now played 97 matches and bowled in 185 innings, taking an impressive 384 wickets at an average of 27.45. His career includes 15 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket match hauls. Starc’s best bowling performance in an innings is 6/50.

Moreover, in the World Test Championship itself, Starc stands out as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history. Over 46 WTC matches, he has taken 173 wickets, further underlining his dominance in the format.

Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell on Day 1 of the WTC Final 2025 not only gave Australia an early advantage but also etched his name into the record books. By dismissing both South African openers in quick succession, he overtook Mohammed Shami to become the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals. This milestone underlines Starc’s consistent dominance on the big stage, where pressure is at its peak and the margin for error is minimal.

With 11 wickets in ICC finals now to his name, Starc continues to prove why he’s among the most feared fast bowlers in modern cricket. His impact in crucial matches, especially finals, showcases his temperament, skill, and hunger to deliver when it matters most. As the WTC Final unfolds, all eyes will remain on Starc to see if he can further extend his record and guide Australia to another historic victory.

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