In a remarkable display of skill and longevity, Imran Tahir has etched his name in the record books by becoming the oldest bowler in men's T20 cricket history to take a five-wicket haul. At 47 years and 166 days, Tahir achieved this feat while playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on September 10, 2026. His outstanding bowling performance, which saw him claim figures of 5 for 17, not only secured a crucial victory for his team but also set a new benchmark in T20 cricket.
Tahir's achievement surpasses the previous record held by Tomakunte Ritawa of the Cook Islands, who took a five-wicket haul at the age of 46 years and 299 days against Fiji in 2022. Notably, Tahir has now made multiple appearances in the list of the oldest bowlers to achieve a five-for in T20 cricket, further solidifying his reputation as a veteran of the game.
With this latest performance, Tahir has recorded his sixth five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, placing him second on the all-time list for most five-wicket hauls in the format, trailing only David Wiese, who has seven. During the match against the St Lucia Kings, Tahir's exceptional bowling dismantled the opposition, as he claimed the wickets of Kamil Pooran, Roston Chase, McKenny Clarke, Matthew Forde, and Joshua Bishop, helping to bowl out the Kings for a mere 119 runs.
The surface at the Providence Stadium in Guyana proved challenging for batsmen, as the Warriors took 18.3 overs to chase down the target, losing six wickets in the process. However, Quentin Simpson's explosive performance, scoring an unbeaten 37 off just 11 balls, including five sixes, ensured the Warriors' victory. This win not only showcased Tahir's brilliance but also solidified the Warriors' position at the top of the CPL standings, with 14 points, making them one of the first teams to qualify for the playoffs.
In addition to Tahir's historic performance, Mehidy Hasan Miraz also made a significant impact on his CPL debut, taking three wickets for just 13 runs in his four overs. This match highlighted the depth of talent in the Warriors squad, further enhancing their prospects in the tournament.
Imran Tahir's journey in T20 cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his leg-spin and wicket-taking ability, he has been a prominent figure in various T20 leagues around the world. His latest record serves as an inspiration to many, proving that age is merely a number in the world of sports. As the CPL progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how Tahir and the Warriors perform in the upcoming matches, especially with playoff positions at stake.
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