Follow UsAfter 15 long years, a remarkable streak has come to an end as Australia have finally been beaten in the final of an ICC event, following their defeat to South Africa in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Lord’s.
Australia entered the final as defending champions and also heavy favourites, having not lost a final in 15 years. They last lost an ICC Final against England in Barbados in the 2010 T20WC, but post that won four finals in a row: the 2015 and 2023 ODI World Cups, the 2021 T20WC and the 2023 World Test Championship Final.
However, that streak has now come to an end courtesy of the Proteas.
Two other remarkable streaks have ended, too. Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc have also lost in the final of a major event for the first time in their respective careers.
The two fast bowlers had previously won every major final they’ve played, including franchise leagues. Most recently, Hazlewood had been victorious in IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). But that rather niche streak has now come to an end.
It’s a 13-year-long streak that’s ended as Hazlewood and Starc’s first major final came in 2012: The 2012 BBL Final for Starc and the 2012 CLT20 Final for Hazlewood (where both played).