Mitchell Starc Sets Record for Most Wickets in ICC Finals
Starc Surpasses Shami in ICC Finals Wickets
London [UK], June 12: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has surpassed Indian veteran Mohammed Shami to become the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals.
This milestone was achieved during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's.
After Australia was dismissed for a modest total following South Africa's decision to bowl first, Starc struck early, dismissing Aiden Markram for a duck with a fierce inswinging delivery. By the end of the day's play, he had impressive figures of 2/10 from seven overs.
In his five ICC finals, Starc has claimed 11 wickets with an average of 26.63 and an economy rate of 5.17, with his best performance being 3/55 against India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad, which contributed to Australia's victory.
In contrast, Shami has taken 10 wickets in four ICC finals, averaging 38.90 with an economy rate of 3.95, and his best figures are 4/76 from the WTC final in 2021 against New Zealand.
Starc has also moved ahead of Indian pace legend Zaheer Khan, becoming the joint-second highest wicket-taker in ICC knockout matches with 22 wickets at an average of 24.31, and best figures of 3/34.
Leading the list is Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan, who has 23 wickets at an average of 23.39, with his best figures being 4/31.
In the match, after being put to bat first by South Africa, Australia found themselves struggling at 67/4 by the end of the first session. A partnership of 79 runs between Steve Smith (66 runs off 112 balls, including 10 fours) and Beau Webster (72 runs off 92 balls, with 11 fours) helped Australia approach the 200-run mark. However, Kagiso Rabada (5/51) and Marco Jansen (3/49) kept the pressure on, limiting Australia to 212.
South Africa had a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 43 runs by the end of the day's play, with none of their batsmen scoring more than 20 runs. Starc took two wickets, while captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood each claimed one. South Africa trails by 169 runs.