In a sport where youth often takes center stage, Portugal’s Joanna Child is redefining the limits of age and passion. At 64 years old, Child etched her name into cricket’s record books as the second-oldest player ever to make a debut in a T20 International match. The record for the oldest T20I debutant still belongs to Sally Barton of Gibraltar, who made her debut at 66 years and 334 days.
Joanna Child’s debut came during a recently concluded three-match women’s T20I series between Portugal and Norway. While her individual statistics — two runs from one innings and 11 runs conceded in four deliveries — may not have created headlines, her presence on the field certainly did.
Portugal captain Sarah Foo-Ryland praised Child’s spirit and contribution, calling her “an inspiration to many cricketers in the country.” In a game often dominated by rising talents, Child’s debut was a heartwarming reminder that love for the sport knows no age.
Portugal Clinches Series Win
The series itself was a tight and exciting contest. Portugal kicked things off with a nine-wicket victory in the first T20I. Norway responded strongly in the second game, leveling the series with a convincing win.
In the decisive third match, Portugal held their nerve to secure a 16-run win and clinched the series 2-1.
Captain Sarah Foo-Ryland led from the front, emerging as the top run-scorer in the series with 127 runs across three innings, showcasing both skill and consistency. On the bowling front, Gabriella Sequeira starred with the ball, taking five wickets at an average of 10.20 to finish as the highest wicket-taker in the series.
A Story Beyond the Scorecard
While Portugal’s series win was a proud moment, Joanna Child’s debut stood out as the defining story of the tour. It was a victory for perseverance, late bloomers, and everyone who ever thought it was too late to chase a dream.
Her journey is already serving as motivation for cricketing communities around the world, especially in emerging cricket nations like Portugal.
As Child took the field with bat in hand and dreams in her heart, she not only represented her country but also broke boundaries — proving that it’s never too late to make history.
