Top five oldest players to win Player of the Match awards in T20 World Cup history ft Sikandar Raza
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
T20 World Cup has proven to be a great platform for youngsters and veterans alike.
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup has long been celebrated as a stage for fearless youngsters, but it has equally highlighted the enduring brilliance of seasoned campaigners. In a format often perceived as a young player’s game, several veterans have defied expectations, using experience, composure, and tactical awareness.
Over the years, some of the oldest players in tournament history have stepped up to claim Man of the Match honours, proving that age can be an advantage in high pressure situations.
Top five oldest players to win Man of the Match awards in T20 World Cup history
5. David Wiese vs Oman – 39 years, 15 days (2024)
David Wiese delivered a never say die outing with both bat and ball in Namibia’s nerve shredding Super Over win against Oman. In a low scoring thriller during T20 World Cup 2024, the 39 year old first made his impact with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets during the regulation overs to restrict Oman to a modest total on a difficult surface.
When the match went to a Super Over, Wiese helped Namibia score 21 and then returned to bowl, conceding little and dismissing Naseem Khushi to shut the door on Oman’s chase.
4. Tillakaratne Dilshan vs Afghanistan – 39 years, 155 days (2016)
During the ICC World T20 2016 encounter against Afghanistan, Tillakaratne Dilshan, anchored Sri Lanka‘s chase with a composed unbeaten 83 off 56 balls, blending aggression and stability to secure a six-wicket win. Tasked with pursuing 154 on a tricky Eden Gardens pitch, raised his fifty in 37 balls while striking eight fours and three sixes.
3. Shoaib Malik vs Scotland – 39 years, 279 days (2021)
Shoaib Malik’s calm and authoritative knock against Scotland, ended his 12 year wait for a fifty at a world tournament and underlining his value in Pakistan’s middle order. Walking in when a late surge was needed, Malik smashed an unbeaten 54 off just 18 balls.
2. Sikandar Raza vs Sri Lanka – 39 years, 301 days (2026)
Sikandar Raza delivered a decisive knock under pressure, turning the chase firmly in Zimbabwe’s favor with a blistering 45 off just 26 balls. Walking in with the required rate climbing on a sluggish Colombo surface, Raza counterattacked Sri Lanka’s spinners with clean hitting and smart placement.
Beyond the numbers, Raza’s impact lay in his game awareness and composure. He identified scoring options quickly, targeted matchups effectively, and ensured the asking rate never spiraled out of control. Raza helped Zimbabwe finish unbeaten at the end of the group-stage matches of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
1. Sanath Jayasuriya vs West Indies – 39 years, 345 days (2009)
Sanath Jayasuriya produced a vintage Man of the Match performance, rolling back the years with a blistering 81 off just 47 deliveries at Trent Bridge. Opening the innings, the left hander set the tone early by taking on the West Indies attack, striking 10 boundaries and three sixes, to set up a formidable total of 192.
Who is the oldest player to win Man of the Match in T20 World Cup history?
Sanath Jayasuriya, at 39 years and 345 days, against West Indies, is the oldest player to win Man of the Match in T20 World Cup history.
How many players on the list were aged 39?
All five players were 39 years old at the time of their Man of the Match performances.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.