Making an international cricket debut is a moment to cherish, but creating history on that very day? That’s something truly remarkable. Over the years, a handful of bowlers have made an immediate impact in ODIs with sensational debut performances. Here’s a look at the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut—featuring remarkable spells that stunned the cricketing world.
Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Best Bowling Figures on Debut in ODI:
5. Tony Dodemaide
Australian pacer Tony Dodemaide made an impressive entry into ODI cricket on 2nd January 1988, facing Sri Lanka at the pace-friendly W.A.C.A. Ground. Exploiting the bounce and movement on offer, Dodemaide picked up 5 wickets for just 21 runs in 7.2 overs, consistently troubling the Sri Lankan lineup. His outstanding spell still stands tall among the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut.
With pinpoint accuracy and subtle seam movement, Dodemaide delivered a debut performance to remember. His effort remains one of the most remarkable first-game displays by a bowler in ODI history.
| Country | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 7.2 | 5 | 21 | 02 Jan 1988 |
4. Jan Frylinck
On 27th April 2019, Namibia’s Jan Frylinck produced a stunning performance on his ODI debut against Oman in Windhoek. Bowling with remarkable precision, he claimed 5 wickets for just 13 runs in 8 overs, completely dismantling the opposition’s batting order. His spell stands out as one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut, especially by a player from an associate nation.
Frylinck’s sharp control, clever variations, and consistent line and length made his debut one of the most economical and impactful in recent ODI history. His performance was a strong statement of Namibia’s rising stature in international cricket.
| Country | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Namibia | 8.0 | 5 | 13 | 27 Apr 2019 |
3. Fidel Edwards
On 29th November 2003 in Harare, Fidel Edwards stormed onto the ODI scene for the West Indies with a fiery spell, taking 6 wickets for just 22 runs in 7 overs against Zimbabwe. His distinctive slingy action and raw pace wreaked havoc on the Zimbabwean lineup, securing his place among the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut in West Indies cricket history.
Though his ODI journey was relatively brief, Edwards’ debut was a clear display of his explosive talent and aggression. This performance continues to be remembered as one of the most electrifying debut spells ever produced by a West Indian bowler.
| Country | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies | 7.0 | 6 | 22 | 29 Nov 2003 |
2. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada made a sensational entry into international cricket with a remarkable ODI debut for South Africa on 10th July 2015 against Bangladesh in Mirpur. He delivered a fiery 8-over spell, taking 6 wickets for just 16 runs—including a rare hat-trick, becoming only the second bowler to achieve that feat on debut. His performance is rightly celebrated among the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut in modern-day cricket.
With his blistering pace, sharp swing, and unrelenting intensity, Rabada left the Bangladeshi batting order in tatters. His debut wasn’t just a standout performance—it was the first glimpse of a future global fast-bowling star.
| Country | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 8.0 | 6 | 16 | 10 Jul 2015 |
1. Cameron Cassell
Topping the charts is Scotland’s Cameron Cassell, who delivered a record-breaking performance that shook the cricketing world. On 22nd July 2024 in Dundee, facing Oman, Cassell produced the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut by claiming an astonishing 7 wickets for just 21 runs in only 5.4 overs.
His impeccable line, length, and ability to swing the ball left the Omani batters helpless. This extraordinary effort not only secured a commanding victory for Scotland but also cemented Cassell’s place in history with the finest ever Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut.
| Country | Overs Bowled | Wickets Taken | Runs Conceded | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 5.4 | 7 | 21 | 22 Jul 2024 |
Conclusion
Debuting in international cricket is a test of nerves, skill, and temperament—but some bowlers have gone beyond expectations, delivering performances that instantly etched their names into the record books. The Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut are more than just impressive stats; they are defining moments that showcase raw talent, match-winning potential, and the ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. From fiery pace to precise swing, these debut spells have not only changed games but also announced the arrival of stars who would go on to shape the future of cricket.
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FAQ`s
Q1: Who holds the best bowling figures on ODI debut?
A: Cameron Cassell of Scotland holds the record with 7 wickets for 21 runs against Oman on 22nd July 2024—the Best Bowling Figures on Debut in ODI history.
Q2: Which bowler took a hat-trick on his ODI debut?
A: Kagiso Rabada of South Africa took a hat-trick on debut against Bangladesh in 2015, finishing with 6/16—one of the Best Bowling Figures on Debut globally.
Q3. Has any associate nation bowler delivered a top debut performance?
A: Yes, both Cameron Cassell (Scotland) and Jan Frylinck (Namibia) delivered outstanding debut spells, earning spots in the list of Best Bowling Figures on Debut in ODI cricket.