Former South Africa spinner Imran Tahir created history in T20 cricket by becoming the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in the format. The Guyana Amazon Warriors captain produced an impressive spell of 5/17 against the Saint Lucia Kings in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2026 clash at Providence Stadium.
The Warriors secured a four-wicket win on Wednesday, September 9. They bowled the Saint Lucia Kings out for 119 in 18.5 overs. Guyana chased down the target with eight balls to spare, reaching 122/6 in 18.3 overs. Tahir played a key role in restricting the Kings to a below-par total before his team completed the chase.
Imran Tahir Breaks Record With Stunning Five-Wicket Haul
Imran Tahir broke the previous record held by Cook Islands bowler Tomakanute Ritawa, who took a five-wicket haul at the age of 46 years and 299 days in 2022. The veteran leg-spinner achieved the feat at 47 years and 166 days, becoming the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.
Tahir conceded only 17 runs during his four-over spell at an economy rate of 4.25. He started his spell by removing Kamil Pooran, who was the Kings’ top scorer with 43, after trapping him lbw. He then dismissed captain Roston Chase before bowling Mackenzie Clarke and Matthew Forde.
The spinner completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Joshua Bishop lbw. Bishop was beaten by a deceptive googly and reviewed the decision, but the on-field call was upheld. Tahir has now featured in four of the top six positions on the list of the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.
The King of Providence stands tall!🤴
— CPL T20 (@CPL) September 10, 2026
Imran Tahir picks up his 2nd CPL fifer! 🇬🇾 x 🇱🇨#CPL26 #GAWvSLK #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #RepublicBank pic.twitter.com/grzI4J3eHA
Oldest Players to Take 5-Fer in T20 Cricket
| Rank | Player | Age | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Imran Tahir | 47y 166d | 2026 |
| 2 | Tomakanute Ritawa | 46y 299d | 2022 |
| 3 | Imran Tahir | 46y 148d | 2025 |
| 4 | Imran Tahir | 44y 323d | 2024 |
| 5 | Prakash Mishra | 44y 165d | 2023 |
| 6 | Imran Tahir | 42y 135d | 2021 |
Quentin Sampson’s Late Assault Seals Guyana Win
Guyana did not have an ideal start to their chase. They managed only 23/1 in the powerplay, their lowest score in that phase this season, after Mavendra Dindyal fell to Roston Chase.
Glenn Phillips then steadied the innings with Shai Hope. The pair added 53 runs for the second wicket before Theekshana ended the partnership by bowling Phillips with a carrom ball. Phillips scored 37 off 40 balls, including two fours and a six, while Hope made 21 off 31.
Guyana lost Hope and Miraz in the space of eight deliveries. Shimron Hetmyer then added 29 runs with Quentin Sampson for the fifth wicket before Chase dismissed him. Sampson smashed an unbeaten 37 off only 11 balls, hitting five sixes and a four to take Guyana to 122/6 in 18.3 overs.
Imran Tahir Credits Hard Work and Family for Feat
Tahir was delighted to finally produce a match-winning performance and credited his hard work and family for keeping him motivated. He also revealed that his son continues to push him as he plays professional cricket at an age when most players have already retired.
“To be honest, I was waiting for such a performance for a long time. My role is to contain in the middle. I am an attacking bowler. My son is pushing me, he wants to play with me. I put a lot of hard work into it. It's nice to see when it comes out the way you want to. I don't look at personal achievements, it's all for the team.”
Guyana lost the toss and were asked to bowl first. Tahir and Mehidy Hasan Miraz put the Kings under pressure with their spin, with Miraz making an impressive CPL debut by taking 3/13 in his four overs.
Also read: Harshit Rana ruled out of Afghanistan T20Is; Jasprit Bumrah, Nitish Kumar Reddy set to make comeback
