Making an international debut in 50-over cricket carries immense pressure, yet a select group of batters turned their maiden appearances into historic masterclasses. Across the history of men's One-Day Internationals, the tally for the biggest individual debut innings is currently spearheaded by two dynamic South African cricketers sharing the top spot.
Jordan Hermann and Matthew Breetzke Lead the Record Books
South African batsman Jordan Hermann announced his arrival in September during an ODI encounter against Namibia. Stepping onto the crease for his maiden match, Hermann constructed a blistering knock of 150 runs off only 126 deliveries. That innings allowed him to level the world record set earlier by his own compatriot.
Sharing that summit is South Africa's Matthew Breetzke, who rewrote cricketing history in February 2025 at Lahore during a tri-series game against New Zealand. Breetzke carved out 150 runs from 148 balls, an innings highlighted by 11 boundaries and 5 sixes. With that achievement, he became the first batsman in men's ODI history to reach the 150-run milestone on debut.
Desmond Haynes and a Long-Standing Landmark
Sitting third on this illustrious roster is legendary West Indian opening batter Desmond Haynes. Back in February 1978, Haynes produced an electric 148-run knock at St. John's against Australia in his maiden ODI. That benchmark stood tall for 47 years before Matthew Breetzke and Jordan Hermann finally eclipsed it.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mark Chapman Round Out the Top Five
Occupying the fourth position is explosive Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz. In January 2021, facing Ireland in Abu Dhabi, Gurbaz began his one-day international journey with a match-winning 127 runs. The feat made him the first Afghanistan player to register a century on ODI debut.
The fifth spot belongs to Mark Chapman, who now represents New Zealand internationally. Chapman made his original international breakthrough in 2015 while turning out for Hong Kong. In that inaugural one-day appearance against the United Arab Emirates, he batted through to finish on an unbeaten 124 runs.
