Mohammad Nadeem Sets Record as Second Oldest T20 World Cup Batter to Score Half-Century

What Happened

Oman’s Mohammad Nadeem made history on February 12, 2026, by becoming the second oldest batter to score a half-century in T20 World Cup history. Nadeem achieved this milestone at 43 years and 161 days old during a match against Sri Lanka, surpassing the previous record held by Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored a half-century at 39 years and 345 days in 2009.

Why It Matters

Nadeem’s achievement highlights the growing trend of older players making significant contributions in T20 cricket, a format typically dominated by younger athletes. His performance not only showcases his skill but also emphasizes the longevity of players in the sport. However, Nadeem’s half-century came with a caveat; he equaled the record for the slowest half-century in T20 World Cups, reaching his 50 runs off 52 balls, a record previously set by Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan.

What’s Next

Following Nadeem’s record, Aamir Kaleem, another Omani player, surpassed him just days later by becoming the oldest player to score a half-century at 44 years and 86 days during a match against Ireland. This rapid succession of records raises questions about the future of veteran players in T20 cricket and their potential impact on upcoming matches in the tournament.