Age no barrier! 64-year-old Joanna Child makes T20I debut for Portugal

Portugal’s Joanna Child, aged 64, made history by becoming the second oldest T20I cricket debutant during a recent three-match series against Norway, falling behind only Gibraltar’s Sally Barton who debuted at 66 years and 334 days old. Child surpassed previous record holders Andrew Brownlee of Falkland Islands and Cayman’s Mally Moore.
Child’s performance in the series included scoring two runs in the first T20I match, while not getting to bat in the subsequent games. Her only bowling opportunity came in the second match, where she bowled four deliveries and conceded 11 runs without taking any wickets.

Portugal’s team captain Sarah Foo-Ryland, aged 44, praised Child, calling her “an inspiration to many cricketers in the country.”
The Portuguese team featured a unique age diversity, with three teenage players – 15-year-old Ishreet Cheema, and 16-year-olds Mariam Waseem and Afsheen Ahmed – playing alongside Child.
The series between Portugal and Norway proved competitive. Portugal claimed victory in the opening game, successfully defending a total of 109 runs to win by 16 runs.
Norway bounced back in the second match, successfully chasing a target of 137 runs with eight balls remaining and five wickets in hand.
The deciding match went to Portugal, who successfully chased down Norway’s target of 125 runs with nine wickets to spare, securing the series win.
Child, despite having no other recorded competitive appearances, demonstrated remarkable spirit by participating in international cricket at her age.