Needing 237 to win, Oman turned to their opener Kaleem, who delivered in style. His 28-ball 50 broke teammate Mohammad Nadeem’s recent benchmark of 43 years and 161 days. Boundaries flowed early: a four on ball two, a six on four. Kaleem stabilized the ship with a 73-run stand alongside Hammad Mirza’s gritty 46.

Despite the collapse—Oman folded for 139 in 18 overs—Kaleem’s knock shone brightest. No other batsman reached 50, with Sufyan Mehmood adding just 10. McCarthy’s bouncer ended Kaleem’s stay, but the damage was done on the record books.

Kaleem’s journey is legendary. He holds the record as the oldest T20 World Cup participant, topping Ryan Campbell’s 44 years and 30 days from 2016. With 54 T20Is under his belt—718 runs, 48 wickets—Kaleem has been Oman’s pillar in qualifiers and beyond. Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya lurks third at 39 years old from 2009.

This feat highlights the growing stature of associate teams, where veterans like Kaleem defy age and inspire a new generation.