Highest Score on ODI Debut: Top Performances

Walking out on the playing field for the first time in an international match is one of the most fulfilling moments for any sportsperson. But it is not easy - there’s pressure, high expectations, and the challenge of playing against experienced international players. While most players, cricketers in this case, take time to adjust, some make an immediate statement with the bat and ball. 

Over the years, cricket has seen several players who turned their ODI debut into an unforgettable performance. One of the oldest memorable ODI debuts was made by Desmond Haynes of the West Indies, scoring 148 runs against Australia in 1978. His innings remains one of the best ever by a debutant and set a high benchmark for others to follow. However, it can also be noted that not all who started their international cricket journey on a flying note had a long and successful career. On that note, check out the top 10 highest scores on ODI debut. 

1. Matthew Breetzke – 150 Runs

In February this year, South African opener Matthew Breetzke made history by scoring 150 runs on his ODI debut against New Zealand in Lahore. With that knock, he broke the previous record held by Desmond Haynes since 1978 - the Barbadian batsman scored 148 runs on his debut. Breetzke's 148-ball stay at the crease included 11 fours and five sixes, propelling South Africa to a total of 304 for six. Despite his efforts, New Zealand chased down the target after Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten 133 to lead his side to a six-wicket win. The 26-year-old right-handed batter has so far played two ODIs, 10 T20Is and a solitary Test. 

2. Desmond Haynes – 148 Runs

Desmond Haynes, the legendary West Indian batsman who played between 1978 and 1994, announced his arrival on the international stage with a stunning 148-run innings against Australia on February 22, 1978, in St. John's, Antigua. His 148 set a record for the highest score by a debutant, a milestone that stood unbroken for 47 years. West Indies, on the back of Haynes' knock, went on to score 313 for 9 in their 50 overs, before eventually winning the match comfortably. Throughout his career of over 15 years, Haynes amassed over 8,000 ODI runs at an average of over 40, and was also a part the squads which won the 1979 Cricket World Cup and finished as runners-up at the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 127 Runs

In January 2021, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a memorable ODI debut by scoring 127 runs off as many balls against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. Opening the batting, Gurbaz went all guns blazing, propelling Afghanistan to a total of 287 for 9 and eventually a 16-run win. His knock was laced with eight boundaries and nine maximums and he became the first ever Afghanistan batter to score a century on ODI debut. Since his international debut in 2019, in a T20I against Zimbabwe, Gurbaz has established himself as one of the most explosive wicketkeeper batters. He was also the highest run-scorer at the 2024 T20 World Cup, helping Afghanistan make it to their first ever World Cup semi-final. 

4. Colin Ingram – 124 Runs

Former South African batter Colin Ingram did not have a long international career, but started his journey at the top with a century on his ODI debut in 2010. With his knock of 124 against Zimbabwe, Ingram became the first ever South African batter to score a century on ODI debut, and overall, the sixth batter to achieve this feat. South Africa went on to win the match by 64 runs after defending 351. Although he started his ODI career with a bang, inconsistent performances meant he could play only 31 ODIs and nine T20Is. Currently, Ingram plays domestic cricket for Glamorgan County Cricket Club in England. 

5. Mark Chapman – 124 Runs*

Representing Hong Kong, Mark Chapman made an unbeaten 124 runs on his ODI debut against the United Arab Emirates on November 16, 2015, in Dubai. He scored an unbeaten 124 from 116 balls, becoming the first player from Hong Kong to score an ODI hundred. He also became only the second batter after Desmond Haynes to score an ODI hundred at a strike rate of more than 100. After being in an out of the Hong Kong team, Chapman moved to New Zealand. He made his T20I and ODI debuts for New Zealand against England in 2018, and became the 10th cricketer to play ODIs for two international teams.

6. Martin Guptill – 122 Runs*

New Zealand's Martin Guptill announced his arrival in ODI cricket with an unbeaten 122-run innings against the West Indies on January 10, 2009, in Auckland. Opening the batting, Guptill struck eight boundaries and two sixes enroute his knock which came off 135 balls. New Zealand went on to the post 275 for 4 before the match was eventually called off due to rain. One of the best players in the 50-over format, Guptill represented New Zealand in 198 ODIs, scoring 7346 runs at an average of 41.73. This includes 18 centuries and a double-century in the quarter-final of the 2015 World Cup. His unbeaten 237 in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal is still the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup match. This knock also made him the first New Zealander and the fifth player overall to score a double century in ODI cricket. In January 2025, Guptill put curtains on his 13-year long international career by announcing retirement from all formats. 

7. Andy Flower – 115 Runs*

Widely considered one of the best all-round cricketers in the history of Zimbabwe, Andy Flower had a stellar ODI debut. Against Sri Lanka on February 23, 1992, in New Plymouth during the Cricket World Cup, he scored an unbeaten 115 off 152 balls. Flower's knock was laced with eight boundaries and a maximum. Despite his century, Sri Lanka eventually won the match by three wickets. One of the best players of spin, Flower did not get enough opportunities to face some of the world's best players as Zimbabwe didn't play a lot of international cricket, but he is still remembered as one of the greatest players from his country. He is still Zimbabwe's highest run-scorer in both Tests and ODIs. Flower announced his retirement from international cricket after the 2003 World Cup and post-retirement, he has worked with multiple teams in the capacity of a coach. 

8. Temba Bavuma – 113 Runs

The current captain of the South African cricket team in Tests and ODI cricket, Temba Bavuma scored 113 runs on his ODI debut against Ireland on September 25, 2016, in Benoni. This made him one of three South African cricketers to score a century on ODI debut. Opening the innings, Bavuma smashed 13 fours and a six, propelling his side to a total of 354 for 5. South Africa went on to register one of the biggest victories in ODIs, winning the match by 206 runs. In March 2021, Bavuma was named the captain of South Africa's ODI team, and became the first ever black African player to be appointed as the permanent captain of the Proteas. 

9. Phillip Hughes – 112 Runs

On 11 January 2013, the late Phillip Hughes became the first Australian batter to score a century on debut in an ODI. He achieved this feat against Sri Lanka in Melbourne. Hughes' knock helped Australia post a total of 305 and win the match by over 100 runs. Tragically, on November 25, 2014, while playing a domestic match for South Australia, he was struck on the neck by a bouncer. The ball hit a vulnerable spot, causing a rare and severe injury called a vertebral artery dissection. Hughes collapsed on the field and was taken to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. Despite efforts to save him, he never regained consciousness and passed away two days later, on November 27, 2014, at the age of 25.