In what turned out to be a monumental occasion for South African cricket, Australia’s fast bowling icons Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc suffered their first-ever defeat in a major final, as South Africa clinched the ICC World Test Championship 2025 title at Lord’s. This loss brought an end to a staggering undefeated finals record that both pacers had maintained for over a decade, spanning formats, tournaments, and continents.
Australia entered the final as firm favorites, not just because of their depth and recent form, but also due to the incredible record of their senior bowlers. Hazlewood had never lost a final in his professional career, having won finals across the Under-19 World Cup, IPL, BBL, World Cup, WTC 2023, and domestic first-class tournaments. Starc, likewise, had remained unbeaten in high-stakes title matches, including the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups, the 2021 T20 World Cup, multiple BBL seasons, and the previous WTC final. For 13 years, the two had built reputations as unbeatable weapons when silverware was on the line.
The 2025 final began on a high for Australia. South Africa were dismissed for just 138 in their first innings, with Hazlewood producing a devastating spell to pick up six wickets. Australia replied with 282, thanks to solid knocks from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, and a surprising 59-run last-wicket partnership between Hazlewood and Starc. At that point, the match appeared to be firmly in Australia’s grip.
But cricket, especially in the longest format, has a way of flipping narratives. South Africa bounced back sensationally in their second innings. Aiden Markram, known for his elegant stroke play, led the charge with a commanding century, scoring 136 to anchor the chase. Captain Temba Bavuma provided vital support with a patient half-century, and the South Africans chased down the target of 326 with five wickets in hand — recording the second-highest successful run chase at Lord’s.
Mitchell Starc bowled his heart out and finished with a five-wicket haul in the second innings, but the support from the other end lacked bite. Hazlewood, who had been the star in the first innings, could not replicate the same menace in the fourth, finishing with modest returns. Adding to Australia’s woes, they burnt all their reviews early in the innings, which proved costly when a few tight calls went South Africa’s way.
For Australia, the loss was more than just the end of a match — it marked the conclusion of a golden era of dominance in finals. It was their first defeat in an ICC final in fifteen years. Starc and Hazlewood, who had long carried the aura of being clutch performers in decisive games, finally met a team that outlasted their fire.
The defeat doesn’t diminish their legacies, but it does remind the cricketing world that no streak lasts forever. South Africa’s triumph wasn’t just about breaking records; it was about belief, resilience, and a commitment to rewrite their history. And in doing so, they brought an end to one of the most remarkable streaks modern cricket has witnessed.