T20 World Record: Finland's Mahesh Tambe sets record for fastest 5-wicket haul in T20I history, surpasses Rashid Khan

Finland's Indian-origin pacer Mahesh Tambe scripted history in Tallinn as he registered the fastest five-wicket haul in T20I history. In the third T20I of Finland's tour of Estonia, he took five wickets in his first nine deliveries.

The previous record belonged to Bahrain's Junaid Aziz who took 10 balls to take a fifer against Germany in 2022. Among Test-playing nations and full-member sides, Afghanistan's Rashid Khan took 11 balls to take a fifer against Ireland in 2017.

Tambe's record-breaking spell

Finland skipper Amjad Sher won the toss and opted to bowl first. Tambe's first wicket was Sahil Chauhan in the 17th over. Chauhan holds the record for fastest T20I hundred from just 27 balls. He got the wicket of Muhammad Usman on the next delivery. Then, he dismissed Steffan Gooch on the last ball of the over. Gooch had returned after he was retired hurt. In the penultimate over, he delivered with the wickets of Rupam Baruah and Pranay Gheewala. He bowled just two overs, conceded 19 runs and took five wickets. His fifer helped Finland bowl out Estonia for 141 in 19.4 overs.

Mohan anchors run chase, Finland clinch series win

In the run chase, Finland opener Aravind Mohan played the anchor role while wickets fell on the other end. Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan O'Brien's 11-ball 18 cameo helped increase the scoring rate. In the 19th over, Finland got over the line. Mohan remained unbeaten for 67 off 60 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Finland won the match by five wickets with 11 balls to spare. They also won the three-T20I series 2-1.

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As expected, Tambe won the 'Player of the match' for his record-breaking spell. In the previous game, he had bowled two overs, conceded 10 runs but remained wicketless.

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Mahesh Tambe's T20I career

39-year-old Tambe made his T20I debut in 2021 against Sweden. He has played one T20I game against Italy who have qualified for the T20 World Cup 2026. So far, from 28 T20Is, he has taken 28 wickets at an average of 22.25. His economy rate is 6.82 runs per over. This was his maiden fifer in the format. With the bat, he has 140 runs from 23 innings at an average of 10.76. His highest score in T20Is is 31 not out.