Mitchell Starc overtakes Mohammad Shami to create massive ICC record during SA vs AUS 2025 WTC final

Australian ace pacer Mitchell Starc achieved a huge record during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa on Day 1 (Wednesday, June 11). The left-arm seamer became the highest wicket-taker in the ICC tournament finals. The 35-year-old eclipsed India’s Mohammad Shami, who scalped 10 wickets in four finals.

Starc achieved the milestone after he dismissed Proteas openers Aiden Markram (duck) and Ryan Rickelton (16) to jolt South Africa after Australia put up a modest score in their first innings.

In the process, Starc also became the joint second-highest wicket-taker in ICC knockout games, sharing the spot with legendary Australian pacer Glenn McGrath and Shami. He needs two more scalps to go past Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (23 wickets), who holds the top spot.

It’s noteworthy that Mitchell Starc has 707 scalps (and counting) across formats, including 384 wickets in Tests.

Mitchell Starc wreaks havoc as Australia finish Day 1 on high against SA in WTC 2025 final

Mitchell Starc’s two early wickets helped Australia end Day 1 on a promising note against South Africa in the WTC 2025 final. Skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also dismissed Wiaan Mulder (6) and Tristan Stubbs (2) to help the defending champions stay on top of the Proteas in the summit clash.

At the time of writing, South Africa were 43/4 at Stumps on Day 1, with skipper Temba Bavuma (3 off 37 balls) and David Bedingham (8 off 9) at the crease.

Asked to bat first, the Aussies were bundled out for 212 in their first innings. The top order looked clueless, but Steve Smith and Beau Webster looked good for their 66 (112) and 72 (92), respectively. The duo put on a 79-run partnership to help Australia recover from 67/4. Alex Carey (23), Marnus Labuschagne (17), and Travis Head (11) were the other three batters to reach double digits.

Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for the Proteas, returning with exceptional figures of 5/51, while Marco Jansen bagged three wickets. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram also scalped one wicket each.

Follow the SA vs AUS WTC 2025 final live score and updates here.