5-for at 51! Isle of Man cricketer becomes oldest bowler in 96 years to record feat

Joanne Hicks, the 51-year-old cricketer from the Isle of Man, has shattered the record for the oldest bowler to take a five-wicket haul in international cricket. Making her international debut at the tender age of 47, Hicks achieved an unprecedented milestone at the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground in Romania, where she faced off against Greece Women.

On this occasion, she delivered a masterful performance, claiming her third T20I five-wicket haul and her career-best figures of five for 10. By dismissing Greece for a mere 52 runs in just 15 overs, the right-arm off-spinner led her team to a commanding victory by nine wickets within the Powerplay.

Hicks' achievement surpassed the previous record held by Australian Bert Ironmonger, who, at the age of 49 years and 314 days, had taken a five-for against South Africa in 1932. Ironmonger's record stood unchallenged for nearly nine decades until Hicks broke it in 2024 at the age of 51 years and 173 days. The Isle of Man's cricketer's remarkable feat not only made her the oldest bowler to achieve such a milestone but also the oldest cricketer, male or female, to do so in international cricket.