Introduction:
The captivating world of T20 cricket, often perceived as the realm of the youth, has witnessed the emergence of seasoned veterans who defy the conventional norms of age limitations. Brad Hodge's stellar performance against South Africa at Durban emphasized that age is not a deterrent in the dynamic and fast-paced world of T20 cricket. In this exploration, we delve into the journeys of the top twenty oldest players to grace T20 internationals, illustrating how experience becomes a significant asset in this high-octane format.
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1. Brad Hogg - The Evergreen Chinaman:
Brad Hogg, etching his name in T20 history, became the oldest player at 43 years and 34 days to feature in a T20 international. Despite bowling just one over and conceding five runs in a rain-curtailed match against South Africa in Durban on March 12, 2014, Hogg's presence exemplified the enduring spirit of seasoned campaigners.
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2. Steve Tikolo - Kenya's Stalwart:
Kenyan legend Steve Tikolo, at 42 years and 154 days, showcased that age is no hindrance to success. His remarkable contribution of 40 runs from 23 balls against Canada in the ICC World T20 qualifier at Sharjah on November 26, 2013, played a pivotal role in Kenya's 21-run victory.
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3. Sanath Jayasuriya - Sri Lanka's Dynamic Veteran:
Sri Lanka's dynamic all-rounder, Sanath Jayasuriya, exhibited his T20 prowess at 41 years and 360 days in a match against England at Bristol on June 25, 2011. Although dismissed for 8, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by nine wickets, highlighting Jayasuriya's timeless class.
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4. Sunil Dhaniram - The Canadian Campaigner:
Canadian cricketer Sunil Dhaniram, at 41 years and 116 days, showcased his skills against Kenya in the ICC World T20 qualifier at Dubai on February 10, 2010. His all-round performance, conceding only 17 runs and picking up a wicket, demonstrated that age did not hinder his ability to contribute.
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5. John Davison - Canada's Resilient Warrior:
A stalwart among Canada's cricket greats, John Davison, at 39 years and 277 days, featured in the ICC World T20 qualifier against Kenya at Dubai on February 10, 2010. Despite being dismissed for a first-ball duck, Davison's commitment to the game remained evident as he continued to be a valuable asset to the Canadian side.
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6. Trent Johnston - Ireland's Inspirational Skipper:
Former Ireland skipper Trent Johnston, at 39 years and 215 days, showcased his skills in a T20 qualifier against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on November 30, 2013. Johnston's brilliant knock of 62 runs from 32 balls played a crucial role in Ireland's convincing 68-run victory.
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7. Brad Hodge - The Australian Veteran's Resurgence:
A familiar name appears again as Brad Hodge, at 39 years and 73 days, emerged as the man of the match in a T20 international against South Africa at Durban on March 12, 2014. Hodge's unbeaten 21 off 8 balls demonstrated that experience and skill could still make a significant impact on the game.
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8. Sanjayan Thuraisingam - Canada's Bowling Maestro:
Canadian bowler Sanjayan Thuraisingam, at 38 years and 329 days, showcased his prowess against Bermuda in the ICC World T20 qualifier on August 5, 2008, at Belfast. Thuraisingham contribution of 1 for 13 played a crucial role as Canada secured victory by 8 wickets.
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| Picture Credits : ESPN cricinfo |
9. Neil Carter - Scotland's Left-Arm Medium Pacer:
Left-arm medium-pacer Neil Carter, at 38 years and 303 days, represented Scotland in a T20 qualifier against Netherlands at Abu Dhabi on November 28, 2013. Despite claiming 1 for 19, Carter's efforts were not enough as Netherlands secured an eight-wicket win.
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10. Rahul Dravid - India's Wall in T20:
Legendary Indian batsman Rahul Dravid, at 38 years and 232 days, made a memorable appearance in a T20 match against England at Manchester on August 31, 2011. Dravid's innings of 31 runs off 21 balls, including three consecutive sixes, showcased that even in T20 cricket, traditional skills could leave a lasting impact.
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11. Misbah-ul-Haq - Pakistani's Captain Cool:
Adding to the list of age-defying cricketers is Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq, who made a mark in T20 internationals at the age of 37 years and 49 days. In a match against Australia on September 6, 2012, in Dubai, Misbah's composed innings of 13 not out from 10 balls helped Pakistan secure a narrow 7-run victory.
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12. Jacques Kallis - South Africa's All-Round Maestro:
The South African all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, showcased his versatility by playing T20 cricket at the age of 37 years and 33 days. In a match against England on September 8, 2012, in Chester-le-Street, Kallis contributed with both bat and ball, underlining his enduring impact on the game.
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13. Mahela Jayawardene - Sri Lanka's Stylish Batsman:
Known for his elegant stroke play, Mahela Jayawardene featured in a T20 international at the age of 37 years and 6 days. The match against England on May 13, 2014, in The Oval saw Jayawardene playing a crucial role, scoring 43 runs from 29 balls in Sri Lanka's victory by nine runs.
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14. Shahid Afridi - Pakistan's T20 Sensation:
Shahid Afridi, the flamboyant all-rounder from Pakistan, graced T20 cricket at the age of 36 years and 296 days. In a match against Sri Lanka on June 21, 2009, during the ICC World T20, Afridi's quickfire innings of 54 runs not out from 41 balls showcased his explosive style, contributing to Pakistan's win.
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15. Daniel Vettori - New Zealand's Spin Wizard:
New Zealand's spin maestro, Daniel Vettori, entered the T20 arena at 36 years and 249 days. In a match against South Africa on March 24, 2014, in Chittagong, Vettori's economical bowling figures of 3 for 19 in four overs demonstrated his effectiveness even in the shortest format.
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16. Shoaib Malik - Pakistan's Experienced Campaigner:
Shoaib Malik, a stalwart for Pakistan, featured in a T20 international at the age of 36 years and 129 days. In a match against Zimbabwe on May 24, 2015, in Lahore, Malik's unbeaten 35 runs from 24 balls contributed to Pakistan's commanding win.