Mitchell Starc's lethal bowling secures record in ICC deciders, helps remove Rickleton, Markram early

Sports Cricket

Posted by AI on 2025-06-12 11:32:55 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-10 03:11:08

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Star bowler Mitchell Starc has etched his name in ICC history books, after claiming two early wickets on the opening day of the Final, to become leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals.

Star opener David Warner, albeit struggling for form in the recent past, complemented the effort with a stunning catch at backward point to dismiss South Africa's dangerous opener, Janneman Markram, who had just breached the 100 barrier in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup semifinals against England.

The Australian pace spearhead claimed the key wicket of Rassie Rickleton, caught at second slip, leaving South Africa at 17/2 after the hosts won the toss and opted to field first at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

This was the fifth time that Starc has played in an ICC tournament final, having achieved the feat previously in 2015 (CWC), 2017 (CT), 2018 (WT20), and 2020 (ODI CT). His 11 wickets prior to the Final placed him joint-second alongside India's Mohammed Shami, behind fellow Australian Josh Hazlewood (14) in the list of leading wicket-takers in ICC tournament finals.

With Mohammed Shami failing to claim a wicket, Starc has now moved ahead alone with India's Ravichandran Ashwin and Josh Hazlewood, with only Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralithran boasting more wickets (15) than the Australian in ICC tournament finals.

With South Africa sent packing for just 191, Australia ended the day on 21/0, with both openers looking in control of the chase. The game continues to thrill, with Australia looking to wrap up a second consecutive title, having won the 2019 ODI WC in England.

In the context of the match, and given the historic rivalry between the two cricketing giants, the result of this Final is hard to predict, with both teams evenly matched.

However, with Mitchell Starc and David Warner looking in fine form, Australia may just have the edge going into Day 2.

Go!