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Australia, one of cricket’s most dominant teams, joined the unfortunate list of sides with multiple ICC final defeats after their five-wicket loss to South Africa in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s on Saturday. Despite taking a 74-run lead in the first innings, Pat Cummins’ side couldn’t stop South Africa from scripting history.
This result marks Australia’s fourth ICC final loss — a rare blemish on their otherwise glittering record. Their previous defeats include the 1975 World Cup final against West Indies, the 1996 final against Sri Lanka, and the 2010 T20 World Cup final against England.
With this latest loss, Australia move ahead of Pakistan (three) and join Sri Lanka, who have also lost four ICC tournament finals.
India tops the unwanted list with seven ICC final losses, while England remain second with six. New Zealand hold third place with five ICC final defeats. Australia and Sri Lanka follow with four losses each.
Pakistan’s three final defeats include a narrow loss to India in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup final in 2007, a heartbreaking loss against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup final, and a heavy defeat to Australia in the 1999 ODI World Cup final at Lord’s.
West Indies have also lost three ICC finals.
The Proteas, meanwhile, finally ended their long wait for a global title. After being labeled as perennial underachievers in major tournaments, South Africa lifted their first ICC trophy in 26 years. Their last ICC final appearance ended in heartbreak when they lost the 2024 T20 World Cup final to India from a strong position.
In Saturday’s WTC final, South Africa chased down 282 thanks to a composed knock from captain Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram, along with a strong middle-order effort, registering their first ICC tournament win since the 1998 Champions Trophy (then known as the Wills International Cup).
Australia had taken a 74-run first-innings lead but collapsed in their second innings, leaving South Africa a reachable target. Despite late resistance from Mitchell Starc and Alex Carey, it wasn’t enough to stop the Proteas’ march to history.
Teams with most ICC final defeats:
India – 7
England – 6
New Zealand – 5
Australia – 4
Sri Lanka – 4
Pakistan – 3
West Indies – 3
South Africa – 1
