The veteran leg-spinner defied age with a sensational 5/17 performance in the Caribbean Premier League, leading Guyana Amazon Warriors to a crucial victory.
In a stunning display of skill and remarkable longevity, veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir has etched his name into the history books of Twenty20 (T20) cricket. At the age of 47, Tahir delivered a sensational five-wicket haul for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), a performance that not only secured a vital win but also set a new global record.
His incredible figures of 5 wickets for just 17 runs against the Saint Lucia Kings at Providence made him the oldest cricketer ever to achieve a five-wicket haul in men's T20 history. Tahir was precisely 47 years and 166 days old when he reached this extraordinary milestone.
The record-breaking spell proved decisive for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, contributing significantly to their seventh victory in eight matches this season. Tahir's enduring passion for the game continues to captivate fans and inspire fellow athletes, according to reporting by Yahoo Sports - Top Stories.
A New Benchmark for T20 Longevity
Imran Tahir's latest achievement surpasses the previous record held by Tomakunte Ritawa, who took 5/19 for the Cook Islands against Fiji in 2022 at the age of 46 years and 299 days. This remarkable feat marks Tahir's sixth five-wicket haul in his illustrious T20 career, a testament to his sustained excellence in the shortest format of the game.
Notably, Tahir had already featured prominently on the list of oldest bowlers to claim five-wicket hauls. He previously took 5/21 for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in 2025 when he was 46 years and 148 days old. His other notable five-wicket hauls include performances for Rangpur Riders in 2024 and Birmingham Phoenix in 2021.
Decisive Performance Secures Warriors Victory
Tahir's impactful bowling spell was crucial in putting immediate pressure on the Saint Lucia Kings. Despite a resilient 38-run final-wicket partnership that helped the Kings achieve a more respectable total, they struggled significantly against the Warriors' disciplined attack.
Alongside Tahir's heroics, Miraz also impressed with figures of 3/13 from his four overs, further stifling the Kings' batting efforts. In their chase, the Guyana Amazon Warriors received valuable contributions from Phillips and Hope, ultimately sealing a four-wicket victory thanks to an explosive 37 runs off just 11 balls from Sampson, which provided the decisive finishing blow. This win allowed the Warriors to immediately bounce back after a rare defeat against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
Son's Encouragement Fuels Tahir's Drive
Following his sensational performance, Imran Tahir was deservingly named Player of the Match. In a heartwarming revelation, Tahir shared that his biggest motivation for continuing to play professional cricket comes from his son.
“My son, he’s the main guy who’s been pushing me,” Tahir stated after the match. “He keeps telling me, Daddy, one more year, one more year, and you need to play with me.” This personal motivation underscores the veteran bowler's enduring passion and commitment to the game, allowing him to continue breaking records at an age where many athletes have long retired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What T20 record did Imran Tahir break?
Imran Tahir set a new world record for becoming the oldest cricketer to take a five-wicket haul in men's Twenty20 (T20) cricket. He achieved this feat at 47 years and 166 days old.
How did Imran Tahir perform in the record-breaking match?
Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League, Tahir secured figures of 5 wickets for just 17 runs against the Saint Lucia Kings, playing a pivotal role in his team's four-wicket victory.
Who held the previous record for the oldest T20 five-wicket haul?
The previous record was held by Tomakunte Ritawa, who took 5/19 for the Cook Islands against Fiji in 2022 at the age of 46 years and 299 days, a mark now surpassed by Tahir.
What is Imran Tahir's motivation for continuing to play cricket?
Imran Tahir revealed that his primary motivation comes from his son, who consistently encourages him to continue his illustrious career, urging him to play "one more year" alongside him.