Making an impression on international debut is a dream for every cricketer, but few manage to produce a performance that remains memorable for years. For bowlers, a debut spell can become even more special when they dismantle an established batting lineup and make an immediate impact at the highest level.
Several fast bowlers have enjoyed extraordinary introductions to ODI cricket, registering five-wicket hauls and even taking six or more wickets in their maiden appearances. Scotland’s Charlie Cassell holds the record for the best bowling figures on debut, while Australia’s Mahli Beardman recently joined an elite list with a remarkable performance against England.
Top 5 best bowling figures on ODI debut in cricket history
1. Charlie Cassell (Scotland) – 7/21 vs Oman
Cassell produced a sensational performance against Oman in Dundee to register the best bowling figures on ODI debut in cricket history. Introduced into the attack during the 12th over with Oman at 49/2, the Scottish fast bowler made an immediate impact by trapping Zeeshan Maqsood lbw with his first delivery in international cricket. He followed it up by bowling Ayaan Khan on the very next ball, before dismissing Khalid Kail after a dot delivery to claim three wickets in his first four balls.
Cassell continued to trouble the opposition with his accuracy and movement, preventing Oman’s middle and lower order from building any meaningful partnerships. He went on to dismiss Shoaib Khan, Mehran Khan, Pratik Athavale and Bilal Khan to finish with extraordinary figures of 7/21 in just 5.4 overs. His spell bundled Oman out for 91 inside 22 overs, after which Scotland comfortably chased down the target in 17.2 overs to secure an eight-wicket victory.
2. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 6/16 vs Bangladesh
Kagiso Rabada announced himself on the international stage with a devastating spell against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2015. Making his ODI debut at the age of 20, the South African speedster shared the new ball and immediately troubled the hosts in a rain-shortened 40-over contest. He dismissed Tamim Iqbal by uprooting his off-stump before removing Litton Das and trapping Mahmudullah lbw in the same over to complete a hat-trick.
Rabada became only the second bowler in ODI history to claim a hat-trick on debut. He continued his impressive performance by dismissing Soumya Sarkar before returning towards the end of the innings to remove Mashrafe Mortaza and Jubair Hossain. The youngster finished with figures of 6/16 in eight overs, including three maidens, as Bangladesh were bowled out for 160. South Africa eventually chased down the target comfortably to register an eight-wicket victory.
3. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 6/22 vs Zimbabwe
Fidel Edwards made a memorable start to his ODI career with a fiery performance against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2003. The West Indies had posted 256/3 in a rain-affected 45-over innings, with Wavell Hinds scoring an unbeaten 127 and Chris Gayle contributing a quick half-century. Zimbabwe were set a revised target of 223 in 32 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, but Edwards quickly made their chase difficult.
Opening the bowling alongside Mervyn Dillon, the 21-year-old pacer claimed a wicket with his very first delivery in ODI cricket. His unusual low-arm action and sharp pace troubled the Zimbabwean batters as he ripped through their top and middle order, leaving them struggling at 47/6. Although Tatenda Taibu offered some resistance with a half-century, Edwards finished with outstanding figures of 6/22 in seven overs. Zimbabwe managed only 150/7, handing the West Indies a 72-run victory.
4. Mahli Beardman (Australia) – 6/24 vs England
Beardman delivered a dream debut for Australia against England at Perth Stadium, producing one of the finest bowling performances by an Australian on ODI debut. The 21-year-old pacer made the most of the lively conditions after captain Mitchell Marsh elected to bowl first. Having overcome injury setbacks earlier in his career, Beardman showcased his pace and bounce to trouble England’s experienced batting lineup, dismissing Harry Brook and Joe Root through edges to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
Beardman continued his impressive spell during the middle overs, removing Jordan Cox and Sam Curran before having Liam Dawson caught at backward point. The wicket gave him a five-wicket haul in just 28 deliveries, the fastest by an Australian in ODI cricket. He eventually finished with figures of 6/24 in 7.4 overs after dismissing Jofra Archer, surpassing Tony Dodemaide’s 38-year-old Australian record for the best bowling figures on ODI debut. England were bowled out for 131, and Australia completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
Also READ: History created: Mahli Beardman joins elite list after ripping through England batting line-up
5. Lyle Robertson (Scotland) – 6/52 vs Canada
Lyle Robertson produced an impressive performance on his senior ODI debut against Canada in an ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 fixture at Forthill in Dundee. The Scottish pacer became the second bowler from his country to feature in the top five of the all-time list after Cassell’s record-breaking effort at the same venue in 2024. Unlike the other spells on this list, Robertson’s performance came in a more competitive contest in which Canada managed to put together a substantial batting effort.
Robertson relied on discipline, consistency and persistence to keep breaking partnerships whenever Canada looked to build momentum. He remained effective across different stages of the innings, using the semi-new ball and returning during the death overs to trouble the opposition. Completing his full quota of 10 overs, he registered figures of 6/52 and claimed a wicket every 10 deliveries. His six-wicket haul ensured that Scotland had a chance to keep Canada’s total under control, giving Robertson a memorable start to his international career.
Also READ: Mahli Beardman makes dream debut as Australia thrash England in Perth ODI
