Cricket, a sport that has garnered millions of fans worldwide, has witnessed numerous memorable moments, especially in the grand stage of the ODI World Cup. One of the most commendable achievements is when players scored a century in their ODI World Cup debut, showcasing their prowess and making an indelible mark in the annals of cricket history.
A Glimpse into the Past
The journey of players who scored a century in their ODI World Cup debut began with England’s Dennis Amiss, who crafted a splendid 137 against India in the inaugural World Cup in 1975. This remarkable feat set a precedent, inspiring future cricketers to etch their names in the ICC World Cup records book. From the classic innings of Gary Kirsten for South Africa in 1996 to the dynamic Virat Kohli’s century for India in 2011, the saga of debut centuries has been both thrilling and awe-inspiring.
List of Players to Score Century in their Debut
| No. | Player | Score | Team | Against | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DL Amiss | 137 | England | India | 1975 |
| 2 | GM Turner | 171* | New Zealand | East Africa | 1975 |
| 3 | AJ Lamb | 102 | England | New Zealand | 1983 |
| 4 | TM Chappell | 110 | Australia | India | 1983 |
| 5 | GR Marsh | 110 | Australia | India | 1987 |
| 6 | A Flower | 115* | Zimbabwe | Sri Lanka | 1992 |
| 7 | NJ Astle | 101 | New Zealand | England | 1996 |
| 8 | G Kirsten | 188* | South Africa | UAE | 1996 |
| 9 | SB Styris | 141 | New Zealand | Sri Lanka | 2003 |
| 10 | CB Wishart | 172* | Zimbabwe | Namibia | 2003 |
| 11 | A Symonds | 143* | Australia | Pakistan | 2003 |
| 12 | JP Bray | 115* | Ireland | Zimbabwe | 2007 |
| 13 | V Kohli | 100* | India | Bangladesh | 2011 |
| 14 | A Finch | 135 | Australia | England | 2015 |
| 15 | D Conway | 152* | New Zealand | England | 2023 |
| 16 | R Ravindra | 123* | New Zealand | England | 2023 |
The Kiwi Duo: Conway and Ravindra
The 2023 ODI World Cup witnessed a spectacular show by the New Zealand openers, Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra. Both players not only scored centuries in their debut match against England but also became the 16th and 17th players, respectively, to join the elite list of players who score a century in their ODI World Cup debut. Their stellar performance, under the immense pressure of the world stage, speaks volumes about their talent and temperament, makes the kiwis one of the top contenders for the World Cup 2023 trophy.
The Unparalleled Journey of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, the maestro of modern-day cricket, began his World Cup journey with a scintillating century against Bangladesh in 2011. His unbeaten 100* not only paved the way for India’s victory but also signaled the rise of a new cricketing icon. Kohli’s journey is a testament to the fact that players who scored a century in their ODI World Cup debut often carve out a special niche for themselves in cricket history.
The Unique Feat of Andy Flower
Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower holds a distinctive record among players who score a century in their ODI World Cup debut. He is the only player to have scored a century on both his ODI and World Cup debuts in 1992, showcasing his exemplary skills and making Zimbabwe proud on the international stage.
Also Read: ICC Cricket World Cup Format | Unveiling the Structure of the Premier Tournament
Wrapping It Up!
The players who scored a century in their ODI World Cup debut embody a perfect blend of talent, temperament, and tenacity. From the early days of Dennis Amiss to the recent exploits of Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra, these players have illuminated the cricketing world with their splendid performances. Their achievements not only etch their names in the record books but also inspire budding cricketers to dream big and carve their own path in the cricketing arena.
