Identify the bowlers who boast the finest bowling figures on their debut in men's One-Day Internationals
In the world of cricket, debuts often mark the beginning of a player's journey towards greatness. In the realm of One-Day Internationals (ODIs), fifteen players have etched their names in history by achieving the remarkable feat of taking at least five wickets in their very first match.
The most recent addition to this prestigious list is a Scotland fast bowler, who set a new record during a match against Oman in July last year. With impressive figures of 7-21, this bowler surpassed the previous best bowling performance in men's ODI debut, held by South Africa's fifth-highest wicket-taker across formats, who had taken 6-16.
Before this record-breaking performance, two Bangladesh seamers had also made their mark. In 2014, a left-arm seamer took 5-28, a feat they repeated in 2015 when another unspecified seamer achieved 5-15. Both of these performances came against India in Mirpur, making Bangladesh the only country with two players on this list who achieved their feat during their teenage years.
The first player to achieve this remarkable feat was a Sri Lankan, who took 5-26 against New Zealand in 1984. Since then, the list has grown, with the most recent addition being the Scotland fast bowler.
This quiz challenges cricket enthusiasts to name all fifteen players who have achieved this feat. With bowling figures ranging from 5-15 to 7-21, and matches spanning from 1984 to the present, it's a test that requires a deep understanding of the game's history.
As of September 6, 2025, these fifteen players stand as a testament to the power and potential that lies within cricket debuts. Their performances serve as a reminder of the thrill and excitement that debut matches can bring, and the impact they can have on a player's career.
