Playing international cricket is the ultimate dream for any aspiring cricketer, and a debut match always holds a special place in their heart.
The excitement of making a debut is often accompanied by nervousness. Throughout the history of ODI cricket, many legendary players have stepped onto the field for the first time. However, only a select few have managed to deliver remarkable performances on their debut.
5. Colin Ingram – 124 vs Zimbabwe, 2010, Bloemfontein
Colin Ingram became the first South African batsman to score a century on his ODI debut. He achieved this milestone against Zimbabwe in 2010 at Bloemfontein.
Batting at No. 3, Ingram played a brilliant knock of 124 off 126 balls, smashing eight fours and two sixes. His innings helped South Africa put up a massive total of 351 runs. The Proteas secured a 64-run victory, and Ingram was named Player of the Match.
4. Mark Chapman – 124* vs UAE, 2015, Dubai
Now representing New Zealand, Mark Chapman made his ODI debut for Hong Kong against the UAE in 2015 in Dubai.
The left-hander announced himself in style with an unbeaten 124 off 116 balls, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. He shared a crucial 90-run stand with Nizakat Khan for the third wicket, guiding Hong Kong to a competitive total of 298 runs.
Hong Kong won the match convincingly by 89 runs, with Chapman earning the Player of the Match award.
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 127 vs Ireland, 2021, Abu Dhabi
Afghanistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a sensational start to his ODI career with a stunning century against Ireland in 2021 in Abu Dhabi.
Opening the innings, Gurbaz hammered 127 runs off 138 balls, hitting eight fours and nine sixes. His 120-run partnership with Javed Ahmadi was instrumental in Afghanistan posting a first-innings total of 287 runs.
Afghanistan clinched a thrilling 16-run victory.
2. Desmond Haynes – 148 vs Australia, 1978, St. John’s
In an innings where only two other batsmen crossed 30, Haynes stood tall, smashing 16 fours and two sixes. He dominated the Australian bowling attack, forcing the great Jeff Thomson to concede 67 runs in his 10-over spell.
West Indies emerged victorious by 44 runs.
1. Matthew Breetzke – 150 vs New Zealand, 2025, Lahore
South African opener Matthew Breetzke created history on his ODI debut by scoring 150 runs off 148 balls against New Zealand in Lahore in 2025—the highest individual score on an ODI debut.
Opening the innings, Breetzke anchored the innings while Jason Smith (41) and Wiaan Mulder (64) provided crucial support. His knock propelled South Africa to a total of 304 runs while batting first.
