Finland clinched a 2–1 series win over Estonia with a composed five-wicket triumph in the third T20I played on July 27 in Tallinn. Chasing a target of 142, Finland reached 142/5 in 18.1 overs, wrapping up the series with a balanced performance in both batting and bowling.
Estonia, batting first, posted 141 in 19.4 overs. Their innings started positively but was derailed by a devastating spell from Mahesh Tambe, who produced a historic burst of fast bowling. Tambe claimed a five-wicket haul in just eight deliveries, setting a new T20I record for the fastest five-for. His wickets included a late hat-trick spread across overs, cutting short Estonia’s momentum and ensuring Finland were left with a chaseable total.
In the run chase, Aravind Mohan anchored Finland’s innings with a measured 67 off 60 balls. His calm approach held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals. Faraaz Mehti Abbas added a quick 19, supporting Mohan during a crucial middle phase. Finland’s batting depth came through as they crossed the finish line with 11 balls remaining, maintaining control throughout the chase.
The match capped off a series that swung back and forth. Finland won the opening T20I with a 16-run margin, showcasing strong batting at the top. Estonia responded in the second game, pulling off a four-wicket win to level the series and setting up the decider. The final match demonstrated Finland’s ability to handle pressure, combining disciplined bowling with steady batting to secure the series.
For Finland, the victory highlighted key strengths. Tambe’s world-record spell not only turned the decider but also signaled his emergence as a match-winning bowler on the associate cricket stage. Mohan’s composure under pressure underscored the team’s growing batting maturity. Captaincy decisions and field placements also reflected tactical awareness in crunch moments.
Estonia, despite the defeat, showed flashes of promise throughout the series. Their fightback in the second T20I proved they could challenge Finland when conditions suited their strengths. However, the inability to capitalize on starts and handle pressure in the third match exposed areas for development, particularly in the middle order and death overs.
The 2–1 series win adds to Finland’s growing reputation in European associate cricket. It also emphasizes the rising competitiveness between developing cricket nations, where close contests and individual brilliance are helping the sport grow beyond traditional strongholds. Estonia will take lessons from this series to build depth and consistency, while Finland will look to carry momentum into their next international fixtures.
Finland’s five-wicket win in the third T20I will be remembered for Tambe’s record-breaking bowling performance and Mohan’s composed match-winning knock. Together, they combined to script a decisive victory that sealed the series and marked another step forward for Finnish cricket on the international stage.