Taking a five-wicket haul is a remarkable achievement for any bowler, representing skill, patience, and match-winning ability. While many bowlers achieve this milestone early in their careers, some of the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul do so later in life, using experience and strategy to dominate batters. T20 cricket, known for its fast pace and thrilling matches, has seen some veteran players achieve this rare feat.
Table of Contents
LIst of 5 Oldest Players to Take a Five-Wicket Haul in T20 Cricket
5. Imran Tahir – 42 Years and 135 Days
Team: Birmingham Phoenix
Opponent: Welsh Fire
Year: 2021
Venue: Birmingham
South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir is ranked number five among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul. Even in his 40s, Tahir’s leg-spin remained a challenge for any batter. In the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021, he achieved a five-wicket haul for Birmingham Phoenix against Welsh Fire, proving that age is no barrier in T20 cricket.
In the 23rd match of the season, Birmingham Phoenix batted first, scoring 184 runs in 100 deliveries. Welsh Fire struggled in response, collapsing for only 91 runs. Tahir’s exceptional bowling included key dismissals of top-order batters Glenn Philips and Leus du Plooy. He also completed a memorable hat-trick, taking wickets of Qais Ahmed, Matt Milnes, and David Payne. His ability to deceive batters with flight, spin, and pace changes made him one of the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket history.
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| 3.1 | 25 | 5 | 7.94 |
ALSO READ:
- IND vs UAE Asia Cup 2025: Head-to-Head, Records and Match History
- Top 5 Best Bowling Figures in Mens T20 Asia Cup
4. Prakash Mishra – 44 Years and 165 Days
Team: Bulgaria
Opponent: Croatia
Year: 2023
Venue: Sofia
At number four among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul is Bulgaria’s veteran medium-pacer Prakash Mishra. During the 2023 T20 triangular series, Mishra delivered an extraordinary performance against Croatia, taking 5 wickets at the age of 44 years and 165 days. His consistent line and length made him virtually unplayable, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup.
Croatia was bowled out for just 75 runs, with Mishra finishing with 5 wickets for 16 runs in 3.4 overs, maintaining a stellar economy of 4.36. Bulgaria comfortably chased the target in just 6.3 overs, winning by 9 wickets. Mishra’s strategic bowling, combined with his experience, highlights why he is counted among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, proving that wisdom and accuracy can beat raw power in the shortest format.
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| 3.4 | 16 | 5 | 4.36 |
3. Imran Tahir – 44 Years and 323 Days
Team: Rangpur Riders
Opponent: Khulna Tigers
Year: 2024
Venue: Chattogram
Imran Tahir makes the list again, ranking third among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul. Making his Bangladesh Premier League debut in 2024, Tahir showcased his legendary skills once more. At 44 years and 323 days, he led Rangpur Riders to a memorable victory with a five-wicket haul against Khulna Tigers.
In the 30th match of the season, Rangpur Riders posted a massive 219 runs. Khulna Tigers, in reply, could only manage 141. Tahir’s bowling figures of 5 wickets for 26 runs in 4 overs, at an economy of 6.50, were decisive. His tactical variations, flight, and spin outclassed the Tigers’ batters. This performance confirms why Tahir is repeatedly listed among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul and why experience in T20 bowling remains invaluable even at an advanced age.
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| 4 | 26 | 5 | 6.50 |
2. Imran Tahir – 46 Years and 148 Days
Team: Guyana Amazon Warriors
Opponent: Antigua & Barbuda Falcons
Year: 2025
Venue: North Sound
Tahir appears yet again, this time ranking second among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul. Playing for Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League 2025, he displayed unmatched mastery over T20 batters at 46 years and 148 days. His experience, skill, and calm under pressure were key to dismantling the Falcons’ batting line-up.
Guyana Amazon Warriors posted a total of 211 runs. The Falcons struggled, bowled out for 128, as Tahir took 5 wickets for 21 runs in 4 overs, maintaining an economy of 5.25. His precise bowling spells and variations ensured a comfortable 83-run victory. Performances like these underline why Tahir is one of the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul, showing that age does not diminish the ability to dominate in T20 cricket.
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| 4 | 21 | 5 | 5.25 |
1. Tomakanute Ritawa – 46 Years and 299 Days
Team: Cook Islands
Opponent: Fiji
Year: 2022
Venue: Port Vila
At the top of our list of oldest players to take a five-wicket haul is Tomakanute Ritawa from the Cook Islands. In the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia Pacific Region Qualifier A in 2022, Ritawa set a historic record, becoming the oldest player to achieve this feat at 46 years and 299 days. His outstanding performance in T20 cricket serves as an inspiration to veteran players around the world.
Fiji batted first, scoring 147 runs in 20 overs. Ritawa dismantled their batting line-up, finishing with 5 wickets for 19 runs in 4 overs, at an economy of 4.75. The Cook Islands chased the target successfully in 18.3 overs, winning by 8 wickets. Ritawa’s brilliance with off-spin, control over line and length, and clever variations make him a perfect example of skill triumphing over age. This performance cements his place as the number one among the oldest players to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket.
| Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| 4 | 19 | 5 | 4.75 |
FAQs
1. Who is the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket?
Tomakanute Ritawa from the Cook Islands holds the record as the oldest player to take a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket at 46 years and 299 days.
2. Has Imran Tahir taken multiple five-wicket hauls as one of the oldest players?
Yes, Imran Tahir appears multiple times on the list, achieving five-wicket hauls in T20 cricket at ages 42, 44, and 46, demonstrating his longevity and skill.
3. Are there other veteran players besides Tahir and Ritawa who took five-wicket hauls?
Yes, players like Prakash Mishra from Bulgaria have also achieved this milestone, showing that experienced bowlers can succeed even in fast-paced T20 matches.
4. Why is taking a five-wicket haul in T20 cricket considered a big achievement for older players?
T20 cricket is fast-paced, and batters are aggressive, so it’s difficult for bowlers to dominate. For older players, taking a five-wicket haul highlights their skill, experience, and strategic ability to outperform younger opponents.