Top five highest individual scores on debut in ODI cricket

Playing international cricket is the ultimate dream for any aspiring cricketer. The debut match always holds a special place in the heart of any cricketer.

The excitement of making a debut comes with some nervousness as well. Throughout the annals of the sport, many great players have made their mark in ODI cricket. Nevertheless, only a few have managed to fully demonstrate their capabilities in their ODI debuts.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top five highest individual scores on debut in ODI cricket.

5. Colin Ingram – 124 vs Zimbabwe, 2010, Bloemfontein

Colin Ingram made history as the first South African batter to score a century in his ODI debut. He achieved this feat in 2010 during a match against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein.

Batting at No. 3, Ingram scored 124 runs from 126 deliveries, including eight sixes and two fours, and helped South Africa post 351 runs. The Proteas secured victory by a margin of 64 runs, and Ingram was awarded the Player of the Match.

4. Mark Chapman – 124* vs UAE, 2015, Dubai

Now playing for New Zealand, Mark Chapman made his ODI debut for Hong Kong against UAE in 2015 in Dubai.

The left-handed batter celebrated his milestone by scoring an impressive 124 runs without losing his wicket, facing 116 deliveries, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes. He formed a crucial partnership of 90 runs with Nizakat Khan for the third wicket, enabling his team to achieve a formidable total of 298 runs.

Hong Kong won the game by 89 runs, and Chapman was named Player of the Match.

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 127 vs Ireland, 2021, Abu Dhabi

Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz started his ODI career with an impressive century against Ireland in 2021 in Abu Dhabi.

Opening the innings, Gurbaz smashed 138 runs off 127 balls with eight fours and nine sixes. He formed a significant partnership of 120 runs with Javed Ahmadi, contributing to Afghanistan's total of 287 runs in their first innings. Afghanistan secured a thrilling victory by a margin of 16 runs in that match.

2. Desmond Haynes – 148 vs Australia, 1978, St. John’s

West Indies legend Desmond Haynes showcased his potential on his ODI debut by scoring 148 off 136 balls with 16 fours and two sixes against Australia in St John’s, Antigua, in 1978.

In an innings where merely two batters surpassed the 30-run mark, Haynes distinguished himself remarkably. He exerted considerable control over the Australian bowling attack, compelling the renowned Jeff Thomson to yield 67 runs during his 10-over spell. West Indies won the game by 44 runs.

1. Matthew Breetzke – 150 vs New Zealand, 2025, Lahore

In his ODl debut, South African opener Matthew Breetzke etched his name in history by scoring 150 runs from 148 deliveries against New Zealand in Lahore in 2025, marking the highest individual score achieved by a batter in their ODI debut.

Opening the innings, Breetzke held one end while Jason Smith (41) and Wiaan Mulder (64) provided valuable support, helping the Proteas post 304 runs while batting first.

Cover Credits - Cricket.com