Mahli Beardman Biography: Birthday, Career, Stats and Records

Mahli Beardman is a young Australian fast bowler who has quickly risen to international prominence with record‑breaking debut performances.

Mahli Beardman, born on 31 August 2005, is an Australian right‑arm fast bowler who represents Western Australia in domestic cricket and the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League. He progressed through the national Under‑19 programme, starring in the 2024 Under‑19 World Cup final and earning a rookie contract with Western Australia in 2024.

Beardman made his senior international debut in a Twenty20 International against Pakistan on 29 January 2026, taking two wickets. He followed this with a historic One‑Day International debut on 13 November 2026, claiming six wickets for 24 runs against England – the best figures by an Australian on ODI debut. His early career is marked by fast‑bowling speed exceeding 140 km/h and mentorship from former great Dennis Lillee.

Mahli Beardman: quick facts

Born: 31 August 2005
Team: Australia

Mahli Beardman career statistics

Batting

Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Highest	Average	Strike rate	100s	50s
T20Is	1	0	0	–	–	–	0	0

Bowling

Format	Matches	Wickets	Best	Average	Economy
T20Is	1	2	2/33	16.50	8.25

Figures as of 13 November 2026. Figures from Cricsheet (cricsheet.org), Open Data Commons Attribution licence.

Mahli Beardman’s early life

Mahli Beardman was born on 31 August 2005 in Dunsborough, Western Australia, and grew up in the Margaret River region. He first attracted attention at age ten while playing cricket in Cowaramup, later moving to Dampier where the Western Australian Cricket Association noticed his talent. He subsequently relocated to Perth and attended Aquinas College, where his cricket development continued as a teenager.

At fifteen, Beardman began receiving coaching from former Australian Test fast bowler Dennis Lillee, a mentorship that shaped his bowling approach. He later cited watching Mitchell Johnson in the 2013–14 Ashes series as the inspiration for adopting a fast‑bowling style, aiming to generate pace exceeding 140 km/h and to consistently challenge top-order batsmen with his speed.

Mahli Beardman’s domestic career

Beardman's senior domestic career started with his List‑A debut for Western Australia on 4 November 2023 against New South Wales, where he claimed Moises Henriques as his first wicket. Although he featured in only that match during the 2023–24 Marsh Cup, his performance contributed to his selection for the Australian Under‑19 squad later that season and impressed selectors with his pace.

In April 2024 he secured a rookie contract with Western Australia, and in August the same year signed with the Perth Scorchers for the 2024–25 Big Bash League season. He made his BBL debut on 13 January 2025 versus the Sydney Thunder, beginning his franchise career and displayed his trademark speed, taking early wickets. His spell helped the Scorchers maintain pressure in the middle overs.

The 2025 winter brought stress‑fracture injuries that sidelined Beardman from the early stages of the 2025–26 One‑Day Cup. After recovering, he returned to the Western Australian side and was promoted to a senior contract in April 2025, reaffirming his place in the state’s fast‑bowling contingent. He managed to bowl at his usual pace despite the rehabilitation process, contributing in the latter part of the tournament.

Mahli Beardman’s international career

Beardman's first senior international appearance came in the Twenty20 International arena. He debuted against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on 29 January 2026, delivering two wickets for 33 runs in his allotted overs. Across his sole T20I to date he has bowled without batting, recording an average of 16.5 and an economy of 8.25, with best figures of 2/33. He also took a catch in the field.

His One‑Day International breakthrough arrived on 13 November 2026 when he faced England in a home series. In that match he produced figures of six wickets for 24 runs, establishing the best bowling performance by an Australian on ODI debut and becoming only the second Australian to claim a five‑wicket haul on debut. The achievement was highlighted in national media as a five‑wicket haul on debut in Perth.

Prior to his senior debut, Beardman represented Australia at the Under‑19 level, starring in the 2024 Under‑19 Cricket World Cup final where he was named player of the match after taking three wickets for 15 runs against India. He also participated in an Australia A tour of India in early 2026, gaining further experience ahead of his senior call‑ups and adapting to senior‑level competition.

Mahli Beardman’s franchise and league career

Beardman's involvement with the Perth Scorchers has been a central element of his franchise career. After signing for the 2024–25 season, he featured in the BBL, making his debut against the Sydney Thunder in January 2025. He continued to contribute in subsequent seasons, notably delivering three wickets for 20 runs against the Sydney Sixers on 20 January 2026, helping the Scorchers reach the final of the 2025‑26 campaign.

While his domestic List‑A opportunities have been limited, Beardman's performances in the Big Bash League have showcased his ability to bowl at high pace and extract movement, reinforcing his reputation as a promising fast‑bowling prospect within Australia's premier T20 competition. He has consistently delivered opening spells that generate early wickets, and his ability to maintain speed in the death overs has been praised by coaches.

Mahli Beardman’s playing style

Beardman is a right‑arm fast bowler who consistently generates speeds in excess of 140 km/h. His approach blends raw pace with a disciplined line and length, attributes honed under the guidance of Dennis Lillee from his teenage years. He attributes his initial fascination with fast bowling to watching Mitchell Johnson during the 2013–14 Ashes series and has worked to perfect his seam position.

In addition to speed, Beardman employs a smooth, high‑action delivery stride that enables him to extract bounce on Australian pitches. His ability to swing the ball both ways, particularly with the new ball, has been highlighted in his early international outings, where he has taken wickets across formats without relying on batting contributions. He also fields close to the wicket, contributing to catches when required.