Lightning in 8 Balls, Finland’s Mahesh Tambe Scripts T20 History With Fastest-Ever Fifer
Helsinki, July 29, 2025 — Cricket fans witnessed history being made as Mahesh Tambe, a relatively unknown name from the cricketing outpost of Finland, delivered one of the most jaw-dropping spells in T20 history. The right-arm medium pacer claimed a five-wicket haul in just 8 balls, etching his name in the record books for the fastest-ever T20 international fifer.
In a format where batsmen usually steal the limelight, Tambe turned the tables with precision, pace, and pin-point accuracy — showing the world that associate nations have world-class talent waiting to erupt.
A Record That Stunned The Cricketing World
Tambe’s incredible feat came during a T20I match between Finland and Estonia, held at the Kerava National Cricket Ground. Bowling the second over of the innings, he shocked the Estonian top and middle order by taking:
- Wicket 1 (Ball 2) – A perfectly pitched outswinger lured the batter into a drive, only to be caught in the slips.
- Wicket 2 (Ball 3) – A sharp in-swinging yorker trapped the next batter plumb in front. LBW!
- Dot ball (Ball 4) – Just to build the tension.
- Wicket 3 (Ball 5) – An edge carried straight to the keeper.
- Wicket 4 (Ball 6) – Clean bowled! Absolute peach.
- Wicket 5 (Ball 8) – After conceding a single on Ball 7, he wrapped up the over with another clean dismissal – a soft catch to mid-wicket.
With just 1 run conceded in 8 balls and 5 wickets taken, Mahesh Tambe’s spell wasn’t just magical — it was historically seismic.
Fastest Fifer In T20Is: How Tambe Broke The Record
Previously, the fastest T20I five-wicket hauls were recorded by international stars such as:
- Lasith Malinga – 5 wickets in 12 balls
- Rashid Khan – 5 wickets in 12 balls
- Josh Hazlewood – 5 wickets in 13 balls
But Mahesh Tambe shattered all records by doing it in just 8 legitimate deliveries, officially making it the fastest T20I five-wicket haul ever.
Who Is Mahesh Tambe?
Born to Indian-origin parents who settled in Finland, Mahesh Tambe is a product of the Finnish cricket revolution — a quiet but steadily growing movement that has seen cricket take deep roots in Nordic soil. At 27, Tambe is a regular in the Finnish domestic leagues and known for his clever variations and sharp seam positioning.
With this performance, he’s not just earned national hero status — he’s become an overnight global sensation.
Reactions Pour In
- ICC T20 Twitter handle hailed the feat:
“History Made! Finland’s Mahesh Tambe delivers fastest-ever T20I fifer. Remember the name” - Indian legend Zaheer Khan tweeted:
“Pace, skill, accuracy – what a spell, Proud moment for associate nations.” - Former Australian star Brett Lee wrote:
“That’s how you let the ball do the talking. Goosebumps”
Match Summary: Finland vs Estonia
- Estonia Batting: Bowled out for 35 in 7.4 overs
- Mahesh Tambe: 1.2 overs, 1 run, 5 wickets
- Finland chased the total in 4.2 overs, winning by 9 wickets
Why This Matters For Associate Cricket
Tambe’s explosive bowling spell is more than just a stat; it’s a watershed moment for associate cricket nations like Finland, who are striving to make a mark globally.
It’s proof that cricket is no longer limited to a dozen elite nations. With support, structure, and self-belief, players from less-heralded regions can shine on the world stage — and break records that once seemed untouchable.
From snowy backyards in Helsinki to the cricketing limelight, Mahesh Tambe’s rise is the stuff of dreams. His 8-ball fifer is now a gold-standard achievement — one that will inspire a generation of Finnish and associate cricketers to believe that anything is possible.
So the next time someone tells you cricket is a “big nations’ game,” just say two words:
“Mahesh Tambe.”