Cricket Finland is proud to celebrate a moment of global recognition and national pride as Mahesh Tambe delivered one of the most astonishing bowling performances ever witnessed in international T20 cricket.
In a recent T20I match vs Estonia in Tallinn, Tambe claimed five wickets in just eight deliveries, a spell that is being hailed as a new world record
Introduced into the attack in the 17th over of the innings, Tambe stunned both the opposition and onlookers by dismantling the batting lineup in breathtaking fashion. His over included wickets on the third, fourth, and sixth deliveries — nearly securing a hat-trick — and he followed it up with two more wickets in the next over, wrapping up the innings with figures of 5 wickets for just 4 runs.
The spell not only turned the tide of the match decisively in Finland’s favour but also highlighted the significant progress of Finnish cricket on the world stage. Performances of this calibre are rare in any format, and for it to come from an associate nation underscores the rising standard and fierce competitiveness in the global game.
Team Management on Tambe’s Triumph
Captain’s Statement – Amjad Sher
Funny enough, Tambe wasn’t even supposed to bowl that day — the others were on top. But when the spinners started to get hit, we needed one over filled. I threw him the ball. First two deliveries went for a six and a four, but I wasn’t worried — I’ve played alongside Tambe for years and knew he’d pull it back. And he did, in style.
His third ball removed Chauhan — the fastest T20I centurion — and what followed was absolute magic. Three wickets in an over, and suddenly, the momentum had shifted completely. That one over changed the match.
What makes Tambe so valuable isn’t just his skill set — his variations, discipline, and sharp cricketing mind — but his calmness under pressure. He’s an agile fielder, a dependable lower-order batter, and most importantly, someone who always steps up when the team needs it.
“There was no grand strategy that day — just trust. After that over, I immediately gave him a second one and allowed Nick, who had a hand injury, to rest. Tambe had earned it.
That match against Estonia was intense — we had lost the previous one, so this felt like a final. The pressure was high from ball one. But it was in that pressure that Tambe thrived.
What people don’t see is the journey behind this moment. After the Nordic Cup, Tambe seriously considered retiring from international cricket. He didn’t feel he had done enough. But he stuck it out, worked hard, and this performance became a statement — not just to others, but to himself.
I reminded him: don’t compete with others, compete with the best version of yourself. That day, he did just that.
As a captain, I couldn’t be prouder. Not just of the wickets, but of the resilience, the character, and the message it sends — to our squad, to Finnish cricket, and to the next generation. This is what believing in yourself looks like. And I truly believe it’s only the beginning for him.”
Head Coach’s Statement – Taku Kusano
“Tambe’s development this season has been massive. It’s not just about the wickets or the hundred in the league — it’s the personal turnaround. Earlier this year, he was struggling for form and confidence with both bat and ball. He even considered stepping away from the game. But he made a tough call to change clubs in the Finnish Premier League, and that move seems to have helped him rediscover his love for the game. Since then, he’s looked like a different player.
Seeing him take three wickets in one over — I was honestly just proud. He’s such a quiet character, leads through action, not noise. In that moment, he completely took control and changed the match. It was vintage Tambe: calm, clinical, and composed. What made it even more special was that his first two balls went for six and four — and to bring it back in such spectacular fashion says everything about his mindset. A spell I’ll never forget. We ended up restricting them to under 150 and that was huge for us.
Technically, Tambe is one of the most reliable bowlers I’ve worked with. Hits a hard length consistently, has a deceptive slower ball, and his yorker is serious. Mentally, he’s incredibly tough — doesn’t get rattled, even when things aren’t going his way. That’s what makes him a leader, even if he doesn’t wear the armband anymore.
We had a simple plan: bowl straight, keep it tight, force the mistake. Tambe executed it perfectly. But the key was belief — and that’s something he’s really built back up this season.
A five-for in T20 cricket is rare, especially the way he did it — in control from ball one, didn’t need luck, just out-thought the batters. It’s the kind of spell you don’t forget.
For the squad, especially the younger guys, it’s massive. Here’s a senior player who went through a dip, worked through it, and came out stronger. That’s what real resilience looks like.
Off the field, people don’t always see the work — the extra training, the honesty in conversations, the decision to step down from vice captaincy for the good of the team. That takes humility and character. He’s never loud, never flashy, just gets on with it.
Performances like this speak to the culture we’re building — team-first, resilient, and humble. We’ve got players who are hungry to improve and support each other. Tambe embodies that.
For Finnish cricket, it’s a brilliant moment. These are the performances that raise the level of the whole competition and show we’ve got real quality in the system.
To Tambe — mate, you earned every bit of that. You’ve come through the rough patch with class, and your love for the game is showing in everything you do. Stay grounded, keep working, and more big moments will come.”
Team Manager’s Statement – Andrew Armitage
“This level of performance in a high-pressure situation is a true credit to the progress the squad has made under head coach Taku. For the team, it’s further confirmation that we are on the right track.
The Bears environment is a very positive one — where players are encouraged to express themselves with humility, while supporting every squad member to become the best possible version of themselves.
Tambe’s magnificent achievement will undoubtedly inspire belief and confidence across the squad. It shows the rest of the Bears that similar performances are not just possible — they are within reach.
This performance is a reward for the years of hard work and dedication Tambe has given to the Bears family. It’s also a reflection of his incredible mental fortitude — to execute his skills so precisely under pressure.
Match Scorecard
the full scorecard is available here:
bit.ly/FinEst-Tambe5
A Defining Moment for Cricket in Finland
Mahesh Tambe’s extraordinary effort reflects the continued rise of cricket in Finland. Over the past decade, the sport has seen increasing participation, media coverage, and international recognition. This performance shines a spotlight on the potential of associate nations and reaffirms Finland’s growing footprint in world cricket.
Cricket Finland remains committed to supporting elite performance, youth development, and the growth of the sport at grassroots level. We believe this milestone will inspire a new wave of players and supporters across the country.
Cricket Finland congratulates Mahesh Tambe and the entire national squad on this historic achievement.
