51-Year-Old Joanne Hicks Becomes Oldest Player To Pick 5-Wicket Haul in International Cricket, Achieves Feat During Women's Continental Cup 2026
Isle of Man's Joanne Hicks, 51 years and 171 days old, has created history by becoming the oldest cricketer, male or female, to take a five-wicket haul in international cricket. Her astonishing 5/10 against Greece in the Women's Continental Cup 2026 on August 27, 2026, shattered a 94-year-old record previously held by Australia's Bert Ironmonger.
Moara Vlasiei, Romania: In a remarkable display of skill and longevity, Isle of Man off-spinner Joanne Hicks has etched her name into the annals of cricket history. At the age of 51 years and 171 days, Hicks became the oldest player, male or female, to achieve a five-wicket haul in international cricket, surpassing a record held for 94 years by Australia's Bert Ironmonger. Her career-best figures of 5 for 10 against Greece in the Women's Continental Cup 2026 led the Isle of Man to a dominant nine-wicket victory on Thursday, August 27, 2026. Central Zone vs East Zone, Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, Duleep Trophy 2026 SF.
Joanne Hicks Creates History
A Record-Breaking Spell
Hicks' historic performance unfolded during the fourth match of the Women's Continental Cup at the Moara Vlasiei Cricket Ground in Ilfov County, Romania. Opting to field first, the Isle of Man bowlers restricted Greece to a paltry 52 all out in 15 overs. Hicks, operating as a right-arm off-spinner, was the architect of Greece's collapse, delivering a masterclass in control and precision. Her spell dismantled the Greek batting lineup, dismissing Lydia Katsimari, Sofia-Nefeli Georgota, Aggeliki-Ioanna Argyropoulou, Theodora Parisi-Mesimeri, and Alekcandra Kourkoulou. Four of her five wickets came either bowled or leg before wicket, showcasing her accuracy.
Greece's top-scorer was Argyropoulou with 17 runs off 36 balls, while Georgina Ford supported Hicks effectively with figures of 2 for 9. The modest target of 53 runs was then comfortably chased down by the Isle of Man in just six overs, for the loss of one wicket, securing a commanding nine-wicket win with 84 balls to spare. Libby Moore remained unbeaten on 24, while Grace Cottier contributed 19 runs. Hicks was deservedly named Player of the Match for her exceptional efforts.
Surpassing a 94-Year-Old Benchmark
Joanne Hicks' incredible feat eclipsed a record that had stood since 1932. The previous record holder was Australian left-arm spinner Bert Ironmonger, who was 49 years and 314 days old when he claimed a five-wicket haul against South Africa in a Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ironmonger's memorable performance included figures of 5 for 6 and 6 for 18 in that same Test, as South Africa were dismissed for 36 and 45.
This is not Hicks' first brush with breaking age-related records. She previously held the record for the oldest woman to take an international five-wicket haul, achieving it in August 2024 against Malta (5/10 at 49 years and 162 days), and then again six days later against Greece (5/22 at 49 years and 168 days).
An Unconventional Career Trajectory
Born on March 9, 1975, Hicks made her international debut for the Isle of Man women's team at the age of 47, on November 12, 2022, against Norway. Her international journey has been highly unconventional, starting much later than most cricketers. Despite this, she has developed into a highly effective bowler, with her latest achievement marking her third five-wicket haul in T20 International cricket. South Zone vs North Zone, Live Streaming Online and Free Telecast, Duleep Trophy 2026 SF.
Joanne Hicks' T20I Bowling Stats (Prior to Record-Breaking Spell):
- Matches: 29
- Bowling Innings: 26
- Wickets: 36
- Average: 10.08
- Economy Rate: 4.12
- Four-wicket hauls: 1
- Five-wicket hauls: 3 (including this one)
Her remarkable career demonstrates that dedication and passion for the game can defy conventional timelines, inspiring cricketers worldwide.
Joanne Hicks' historic five-wicket haul stands as a testament to her enduring talent and commitment, securing her place in cricket's record books and proving that age is truly just a number when it comes to international sporting excellence.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 30, 2026 10:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).