Imran Tahir, 47 years and 166 days old, creates T20 history with a career-best 5/17 for Guyana Amazon Warriors, becoming the oldest player to claim a five-wicket haul
New Delhi: Age often becomes a limiting factor in professional cricket, particularly in T20 cricket, where fitness, speed and quick decision-making are crucial. However, Imran Tahir continues to challenge that perception. At 47, the South African leg-spinner has produced one of the most remarkable performances of his long T20 career.
Playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the St Lucia Kings in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026, Tahir claimed 5 wickets for 17 runs in four overs. The spell helped Guyana restrict St Lucia to 119 runs and eventually secure victory.
The performance was special for two reasons. Tahir became the **oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket, while 5/17 also became the best bowling figures of his T20 career.
Tahir Breaks the Previous Record
Before Tahir, the record belonged to Tomakanute Ritawa of the Cook Islands. Ritawa had taken 5/19 against Fiji in 2022 at the age of 46 years and 299 days.
Tahir had already come close to the record several times. In CPL 2025, he took 5/21 against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons at the age of 46 years and 148 days.
His latest performance has now moved him to the top of the list and once again highlighted his extraordinary longevity in the shortest format.
Some of the oldest players to register a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket are:
- Imran Tahir – 47 years, 166 days – 5/17 vs St Lucia Kings, CPL 2026
- Tomakanute Ritawa – 46 years, 299 days – 5/19 vs Fiji, 2022
- Imran Tahir – 46 years, 148 days – 5/21 vs Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, CPL 2025
- Imran Tahir – 44 years, 323 days – 5/26 vs Khulna Tigers, BPL 2024
- Prakash Mishra – 44 years, 165 days – 5/16 vs Croatia, 2023
- Imran Tahir – 42 years, 135 days – 5/25 vs Welsh Fire, The Hundred 2021
The list also shows how consistently Tahir has performed at an age when most players have already moved away from professional cricket.
A Career-Best Spell at 47
The age record is impressive, but the numbers behind Tahir’s performance make the achievement even more significant.
His figures of 5/17 are the best of his T20 career. Before this match, his career-best was 5/21, recorded against the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons in CPL 2025.
Tahir completed his five-wicket haul in just four overs while conceding only 17 runs. His spell played a major role in keeping St Lucia’s batting lineup under pressure.
For any bowler, producing career-best figures is a major achievement. Doing so at 47, in a competitive franchise T20 league, makes the performance even more remarkable.
A T20 Career Spanning Two Decades
Tahir began his T20 journey in 2006 and has now spent almost two decades playing the format. Over the years, he has appeared in several major domestic and franchise competitions across the world.
His career has included the Indian Premier League, Pakistan Super League, Bangladesh Premier League, Caribbean Premier League and The Hundred.
He became known for his attacking leg-spin, ability to take wickets in the middle overs and his trademark celebrations after dismissals. Even after moving beyond the conventional retirement age, Tahir has continued to find opportunities in franchise cricket.
His longevity is particularly notable because T20 cricket has increasingly become a young player’s game, with teams placing heavy emphasis on athleticism and fielding ability.
Experience Still Has Value
Tahir’s contribution to Guyana Amazon Warriors is not limited to his bowling. He has also taken on leadership responsibilities, bringing years of international and franchise experience to the team.
His understanding of match situations, knowledge of opposition batters and ability to make quick tactical decisions remain valuable assets.
Against St Lucia Kings, his bowling helped Guyana restrict the opposition to 119 runs before completing the chase. The result added further importance to his individual performance.
Age Is Just a Number for Tahir
Tahir’s latest achievement offers another example of how experienced players can remain relevant in modern franchise cricket.
At 47, he has broken an age-related world record and simultaneously delivered the best bowling figures of his T20 career. His performance shows that longevity alone is not what keeps a player in the game; the ability to continue delivering on the field matters far more.
For Imran Tahir, the CPL 2026 performance is therefore more than another record. It is a reminder that experience, fitness, confidence and the hunger to compete can continue to produce extraordinary results, even after two decades in T20 cricket.
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