Joanne Hicks Makes Cricket History at 51 With Record-Breaking Five-Wicket Haul

Joanne Hicks has entered the international cricket record books at the age of 51 after producing a remarkable bowling performance for the Isle of Man against Greece in the Women’s Continental Cup in Romania.

The veteran off-spinner returned extraordinary figures of 5/10 from four overs, becoming the oldest cricketer, male or female, to claim a five-wicket haul in an international match. Her spell helped the Isle of Man dismiss Greece for just 52 before completing a nine-wicket victory.

Joanne Hicks Becomes Oldest International Five-Wicket Haul Taker

Hicks was 51 years and 171 days old when she produced the historic performance. She became the first bowler in international cricket to take a five-wicket haul after turning 50.

After the Isle of Man chose to field, Hicks quickly made her presence felt. She dismissed Lydia Katsimari, Sofia-Nefeli Georgota, Aggeliki-Ioanna Argyropoulou, Theodora Parisi-Mesimeri and Alekcandra Kourkoulou.

Four of her five wickets came through either bowled or leg-before-wicket dismissals, highlighting the accuracy and effectiveness of her off-spin.

Hicks Helps Isle of Man Bowl Greece Out for 52

Hicks’ outstanding spell was central to Greece’s collapse. The Greek team was bowled out for only 52 runs in 15 overs, with Argyropoulou emerging as the top scorer with 17 from 36 deliveries.

Georgina Ford also played an important role with the ball, taking 2/9 as the Isle of Man’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings.

The target proved extremely small for the Isle of Man. They reached 56/1 in only six overs, completing the chase with 84 deliveries remaining.

Libby Moore finished unbeaten on 24, while Grace Cottier scored 19. Hicks’ match-winning contribution earned her the Player of the Match award.

Joanne Hicks Breaks a 94-Year-Old International Record

Hicks’ achievement also brought an end to a remarkable record that had stood since 1932. Before her historic performance, Australia’s Bert Ironmonger was the oldest bowler to claim an international five-wicket haul.

Ironmonger achieved the feat at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against South Africa when he was 49 years old. The left-arm spinner took 5/6 and 6/18 in the same Test as South Africa were dismissed for 36 and 45.

Australia eventually won that match by an innings and 72 runs. Ironmonger’s record remained untouched for more than 94 years before Hicks surpassed it.

Hicks Had Already Produced Two Five-Wicket Hauls

The latest achievement is even more remarkable because Hicks had already established herself as a prolific wicket-taker late in her career.

In August 2024, she took 5/10 against Malta at the age of 49 years and 162 days. Six days later, she claimed another five-wicket haul against Greece, finishing with 5/22 at 49 years and 168 days.

Those performances had already made Hicks the oldest woman to claim an international five-wicket haul at the time. Her latest effort has now taken that record to another level.

Third Five-Wicket Haul in Women’s T20 Internationals

Hicks’ 5/10 against Greece was her third five-wicket haul in women’s T20 internationals. The figures also equalled her career-best bowling performance.

Her international career has been unusual compared with many elite cricketers. Hicks made her Women’s T20 International debut in her late 40s but quickly established herself as an effective off-spinner for the Isle of Man.

More than three years after beginning her international career, she has now achieved a record that combines longevity and performance in a remarkable way.

Joanne Hicks’ Historic Bowling Figures

• Age: 51 years and 171 days.
• Team: Isle of Man.
• Opposition: Greece.
• Bowling figures: 5/10 in 4 overs.
• Greece total: 52 all out in 15 overs.
• Isle of Man result: Won by 9 wickets.
• Player of the Match: Joanne Hicks.
• Record: Oldest cricketer to take an international five-wicket haul.

A Remarkable Chapter in International Cricket

Joanne Hicks’ performance is a striking example of how experience can continue to produce memorable moments in international cricket. Her five-wicket haul not only delivered a comprehensive victory for the Isle of Man but also ended one of the oldest bowling records in the sport.

By taking five wickets after turning 50, Hicks has created a unique place for herself in international cricket history and added another extraordinary milestone to an already unusual career.