Making a lasting impression on international debut is a dream for every cricketer, yet only a handful manage to deliver a performance that stays etched in memory for years. For bowlers, a first spell can become truly special when they tear through an established batting order and make an instant impact at the highest level.
A number of fast bowlers have enjoyed extraordinary introductions to ODI cricket, picking up five-wicket hauls and even claiming six or more wickets in their maiden appearances. Scotland’s Charlie Cassell owns the record for the best bowling figures on debut, while Australia’s Mahli Beardman has recently broken into that exclusive group with a stunning display 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 display against Oman in Dundee to record the finest bowling figures on ODI debut in cricket history. Brought into the attack in the 12th over with Oman at 49/2, the Scottish quick made an instant impact by trapping Zeeshan Maqsood lbw with his very first ball in international cricket. He then bowled Ayaan Khan with the next delivery and removed Khalid Kail after a dot ball, claiming three wickets in his first four deliveries.
Cassell continued to trouble the batsmen with his accuracy and movement, denying Oman’s middle and lower order any chance to settle. He went on to dismiss Shoaib Khan, Mehran Khan, Pratik Athavale and Bilal Khan, ending with remarkable figures of 7/21 in just 5.4 overs. His spell dragged Oman out for 91 inside 22 overs, after which Scotland cruised to the target in 17.2 overs for an eight-wicket win.
2. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 6/16 vs Bangladesh
Kagiso Rabada announced himself to the cricketing world with a devastating spell against Bangladesh in Mirpur in 2015. Making his ODI debut at just 20 years of age, the South African speedster shared the new ball and immediately got on top of the hosts in a rain-shortened 40-over contest. He uprooted Tamim Iqbal’s off-stump, then removed Litton Das and trapped Mahmudullah lbw in the same over to complete a hat-trick.
Rabada became only the second bowler in ODI history to take a hat-trick on debut. He carried on his impressive outing by dismissing Soumya Sarkar before returning late in the innings to clean up Mashrafe Mortaza and Jubair Hossain. The youngster finished with figures of 6/16 in eight overs, including three maidens, as Bangladesh folded for 160. South Africa chased down the target with ease to win by eight wickets.
3. Fidel Edwards (West Indies) – 6/22 vs Zimbabwe
Fidel Edwards began his ODI career in memorable fashion with a fiery performance against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2003. The West Indies had racked up 256/3 in a rain-affected 45-over innings, powered by Wavell Hinds with an unbeaten 127 and a quickfire half-century from Chris Gayle. Zimbabwe were set a revised target of 223 off 32 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, but Edwards made their chase a steep one from the outset.
Opening the attack alongside Mervyn Dillon, the 21-year-old struck with his very first delivery in ODI cricket. His distinctive low-arm action and raw pace unsettled the Zimbabwean batters as he cut through the top and middle order, leaving them reeling at 47/6. Although Tatenda Taibu fought back with a half-century, Edwards finished with superb figures of 6/22 in seven overs. Zimbabwe could manage only 150/7, handing the West Indies a 72-run victory.
4. Mahli Beardman (Australia) – 6/24 vs England
Beardman produced a dream debut for Australia against England at Perth Stadium, delivering one of the finest bowling spells by an Australian on ODI debut. The 21-year-old made the most of the lively conditions after captain Mitchell Marsh opted to bowl first. Having battled injury setbacks earlier in his career, Beardman used his pace and bounce to unsettle England’s experienced batting lineup, dismissing Harry Brook and Joe Root via edges to wicketkeeper Josh Inglis.
Beardman maintained his intensity through the middle overs, removing Jordan Cox and Sam Curran before having Liam Dawson caught at backward point. That wicket brought up his five-for 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 bowling Jofra Archer, eclipsing Tony Dodemaide’s 38-year-old Australian record for the best bowling figures on ODI debut. England were bundled out for 131, and Australia sealed a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
5. Lyle Robertson (Scotland) – 6/52 vs Canada
Lyle Robertson delivered 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 seamer became the second bowler from his nation to feature in the top five of the all-time list, following Cassell’s record-breaking effort at the same venue in 2024. Unlike the other spells on this list, Robertson’s came in a far more competitive contest, with Canada compiling a substantial total.
Robertson leaned on discipline, consistency and persistence to keep breaking partnerships whenever Canada looked to gather momentum. He remained effective at every stage 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 finished with figures of 6/52, picking up a wicket every 10 deliveries. His six-wicket haul kept Canada’s total in check for Scotland and handed Robertson a memorable start to his international career.