In the history of cricket, debut performances often set the tone for a player’s international career. Among them, bowlers who achieve the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut create a legacy right from their first match. These remarkable spells show skill, control, and match awareness that few can match. This article lists 10 bowlers who stunned the world with the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut, highlighting their achievements with stats and match impact.
List of 10 Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut in Cricket History
10. Brian Vitori

Brian Vitori made headlines with one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut when he played against Bangladesh on August 12, 2011, in Harare. The left-arm pacer bowled his full quota of 10 overs and took 5 wickets for just 30 runs. His accuracy and pace left the batters struggling. This performance helped Zimbabwe secure a memorable victory and put Vitori on the map as a promising fast Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 30 | 5 | 3.00 | Bangladesh | Harare | 12-Aug-2011 |
9. Allan Donald

Allan Donald earned the nickname “White Lightning” for a reason. On November 10, 1991, he showcased one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut against India at Eden Gardens. With his fast and aggressive bowling, he took 5 wickets for only 29 runs in 8.4 overs. His fiery spell gave a preview of the legend he was about to become in world cricket.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 29 | 5 | 3.34 | India | Eden Gardens | 10-Nov-1991 |
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8. Taskin Ahmed

Taskin Ahmed grabbed attention by delivering one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut for Bangladesh. Facing India on June 17, 2014, in Mirpur, the fast bowler took 5 wickets while conceding only 28 runs in 8 overs. His aggression and control played a crucial role in Bangladesh’s competitive effort against a strong Indian side.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 28 | 5 | 3.50 | India | Mirpur | 17-Jun-2014 |
7. Austin Codrington

Austin Codrington stunned the cricketing world by registering one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut. Playing for Canada against Bangladesh in the 2003 World Cup, he delivered 9 overs, including 3 maidens, and took 5 wickets for just 27 runs. His spell led to a historic win and became one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 27 | 5 | 3.00 | Bangladesh | Durban | 11-Feb-2003 |
6. SHU Karnain

SHU Karnain produced one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in Moratuwa in 1984. His 5-wicket haul for only 26 runs in 8 overs helped Sri Lanka take control of the match. He was relatively unknown before the game, but his bowling left a lasting impression.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 26 | 5 | 3.25 | New Zealand | Moratuwa | 31-Mar-1984 |
5. Tony Dodemaide

Tony Dodemaide delivered one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut while playing for Australia against Sri Lanka at the W.A.C.A in 1988. He picked up 5 wickets in 7.2 overs while giving away just 21 runs. His effort showed the depth of Australian fast bowling and announced his arrival in style.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 21 | 5 | 2.86 | Sri Lanka | W.A.C.A | 02-Jan-1988 |
4. Jan Frylinck

Jan Frylinck recorded one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut when he played against Oman in Windhoek in 2019. He bowled 8 overs with extreme discipline, conceding only 13 runs and taking 5 wickets. His economy rate of 1.62 remains one of the lowest for debutants with a five-wicket haul.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 13 | 5 | 1.62 | Oman | Windhoek | 27-Apr-2019 |
3. Fidel Edwards

West Indies speedster Fidel Edwards showed his potential with one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut against Zimbabwe on November 29, 2003, in Harare. He bowled 7 overs, including 1 maiden, and claimed 6 wickets for just 22 runs. His raw pace and bounce were too much for the Zimbabwean batsmen to handle.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 22 | 6 | 3.14 | Zimbabwe | Harare | 29-Nov-2003 |
2. Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada earned instant fame by achieving one of the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut for South Africa. Playing against Bangladesh on July 10, 2015, in Mirpur, he bowled 8 overs, took 6 wickets, gave away only 16 runs, and bowled 3 maidens. His performance hinted at a stellar career ahead.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 16 | 6 | 2.00 | Bangladesh | Mirpur | 10-Jul-2015 |
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1. C Cassell

C Cassell delivered the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut in the history of the format when he played against Oman on July 22, 2024. In just 5.4 overs, he claimed 7 wickets for only 21 runs and bowled 1 maiden. This record-breaking spell instantly placed him among elite debutants in ODI cricket.
Matches | Runs | Wickets | Econ | Opponent | Ground | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 21 | 7 | 3.70 | Oman | Dundee | 22-Jul-2024 |
These bowlers made history with their exceptional first appearances in ODI cricket. Achieving the Best Bowling Figures on ODI Debut is not just a personal triumph but also a sign of great potential. Each of these performances came in different conditions and against different teams, but they all share one thing making an unforgettable impact from the very first ball. This list will continue to inspire future bowlers who dream of a perfect debut on the international stage.