The 47-year-old South African leg-spinner delivered a stunning spell of 5/17 in four overs for Guyana Amazon Warriors against Saint Lucia Kings at Providence Stadium on September 10. The performance helped Guyana secure a four-wicket victory and saw Tahir become the oldest bowler ever to claim a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket.
Tahir was 47 years and 166 days old when he achieved the feat, surpassing the previous record held by Cook Islands spinner Tomakunte Ritawa.
Ritawa had taken 5/19 against Fiji in Port Vila in 2022 at the age of 46 years and 299 days. Tahir has now moved beyond that mark to establish a record that further underlines his extraordinary longevity in professional T20 cricket.
Tahir Produces Career-Best T20 Figures
The five-wicket haul was not only record-breaking but also Tahir’s best bowling figures in men’s T20 cricket.
His previous best was 5/21, which he took for Guyana Amazon Warriors against Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in 2025 at the age of 46 years and 148 days.
Tahir has now improved that performance with an outstanding 5/17 against Saint Lucia Kings, once again showing his ability to deliver decisive spells despite being well into his forties.
A Remarkable Presence on the Five-Wicket Record List
Tahir’s achievement becomes even more remarkable when his previous performances are considered.
The veteran spinner now occupies multiple positions among the oldest bowlers to claim a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket.
His notable five-wicket performances include:
5/17 for Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Saint Lucia Kings — aged 47 years and 166 days, 2026
5/21 for Guyana Amazon Warriors vs Antigua and Barbuda Falcons — aged 46 years and 148 days, 2025
5/26 for Rangpur Riders vs Khulna Tigers — aged 44 years and 323 days, 2024
5/25 for Birmingham Phoenix vs Welsh Fire — aged 42 years and 135 days, 2021
This remarkable consistency across different T20 leagues highlights just how effectively Tahir has maintained his bowling quality throughout his career.
Tahir Continues to Defy Age
While T20 cricket is often associated with young and explosive players, Tahir continues to challenge that perception.
The former South Africa international has remained a prominent figure in franchise cricket long after his international career ended. His performances in the CPL have been particularly impressive, and he has continued to contribute with his attacking leg-spin and wealth of experience.
His latest five-wicket haul is another reminder of his ability to influence matches at the highest level.
Another Milestone for the South African Veteran
Tahir’s record-breaking spell came at a crucial stage of the CPL campaign for Guyana Amazon Warriors. His five wickets helped restrict Saint Lucia Kings and gave the Warriors a strong platform to complete the chase.
The 47-year-old’s figures of 5/17 from four overs were the standout bowling performance of the match and ultimately played a major role in Guyana’s four-wicket victory.
Tahir’s achievement also adds another remarkable chapter to an already decorated career. His combination of experience, attacking leg-spin and competitive spirit continues to make him a valuable asset in franchise cricket.
At 47 years and 166 days, Imran Tahir has now become the oldest man to take a five-wicket haul in men’s T20 cricket — proving once again that his legendary career still has plenty of magic left in it.
