Veteran leg-spinner
This remarkable display of skill and longevity saw Tahir surpass the previous record held by the Cook Islands' Tomakunte Ritawa, who claimed 5/19 in 2022 at the age of 46 years and 299 days. Tahir, aged 47 years and 166 days, continues to defy expectations in the shortest format of the game, proving that his influence remains as potent as ever.
A Decisive Spell in the Caribbean Premier League
Tahir’s spell was the cornerstone of a dominant bowling effort that kept the Saint Lucia Kings under constant pressure throughout their innings. While a late 38-run partnership for the final wicket provided some resistance for the Kings, the damage had already been done by the veteran spinner and his teammate Miraz, who chipped in with a tidy 3/13 from his four overs.
The target set by the Kings proved insufficient against a determined Guyana side. Despite facing disciplined spin bowling during the chase, the Warriors successfully reached their goal, bolstered by key contributions from Phillips and Hope. The finishing blow was delivered by Sampson, whose explosive cameo of 37 runs from just 11 balls secured a four-wicket victory for the Warriors. This win marks the team's seventh success in eight matches this season, serving as an immediate response to their recent loss against the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons.
Longevity and Motivation
This achievement marks the sixth five-wicket haul of Tahir's T20 career, further cementing his status as a specialist in the format. His name appears multiple times on the list of the oldest bowlers to achieve this feat, having previously taken 5/21 for the same franchise in 2025 at the age of 46. He also recorded five-wicket hauls for the Rangpur Riders in 2024 and Birmingham Phoenix in 2021.
Following his Player of the Match performance, Tahir credited his family for his continued drive to compete at the highest level. The spinner revealed that his son remains his primary source of motivation, consistently encouraging him to extend his playing career. Tahir noted that his son frequently urges him to continue, telling him to play for at least one more year so they can share the experience on the field.
