Sunday was a truly special day in cricket history, as Finnish fast bowler Mahesh Tambe achieved a feat in T20 International cricket that few could have imagined.
Sports News: In the world of cricket, discussions about fast bowling often revolve around well-established names. However, a new name is now making waves—Mahesh Tambe. This emerging Finnish fast bowler has accomplished something in T20 International (T20I) cricket that no one had ever achieved before. By taking 5 wickets in just 8 balls, Mahesh not only turned the tide of a match but also set a new record for the fastest five-wicket haul in international cricket.
Finland vs. Estonia: A Historic Match
This incredible performance occurred during the third T20I match between Finland and Estonia. In the match, the Estonian team, batting first, had reached 104 runs for the loss of 2 wickets at one point. It seemed like they were heading towards a big score, but then Mahesh Tambe came on to bowl, and the match completely changed.
1.2 Overs of Devastation: 5 Wickets and History
Mahesh Tambe bowled only 1.2 overs (8 balls) and took 5 wickets. This is the record for the fewest balls taken to achieve a five-wicket haul at the T20I level in cricket history. In the 17th over, Tambe took 3 wickets consecutively on the third, fourth, and sixth balls, narrowly missing a hat-trick as he didn't get a wicket on the fifth ball.
Then, returning in the 19th over, he took two more wickets on the first two balls, completely collapsing the middle order. In this way, by taking 5 wickets in 8 balls, he created an unprecedented record in T20I history.
Old Record Broken: Surpassing Junaid Aziz
Mahesh's first wicket was Estonian batsman Sahil Chauhan, who himself holds a unique record—he holds the record for the fastest century in T20I, scored in 27 balls. However, Mahesh did not allow him to stay at the crease for long this time. With this record, Mahesh Tambe broke the record set by Bahrain's Junaid Aziz in 2022. Junaid had taken 5 wickets in 10 balls. Now, Mahesh has become the bowler with the fastest five-wicket haul.
- 8 balls – Mahesh Tambe (Finland)
- 10 balls – Junaid Aziz (Bahrain)
- 11 balls – Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
- 11 balls – Muazamm Baig (Malawi)
- 11 balls – Khizar Hayat (Malaysia)
Just 2 Overs, Changed the Outcome of the Match
The spell that Mahesh Tambe bowled in this match was not just a bowling performance, but a match-defining moment. A team that was once over 100 runs, Estonia, was suddenly all out for 141. Finland then successfully chased this target and won the match. Mahesh Tambe's performance is proof that cricket is no longer limited to Test-playing nations. Even smaller countries are now producing players who have the ability to break records.
