The world of ODI cricket has witnessed extraordinary performances from players on the very first day they stepped onto the international stage. Delivering big runs under pressure requires remarkable temperament, maturity, and hunger, and that is why innings that feature in the list of Highest Career Scores in Debut hold a special place in cricket history. These performances not only lift a team’s confidence but also create instant superstars.
Below, we present the Top 10 players (ranked 10 to 1) who delivered the Highest Career Scores in Debut, along with long, attractive descriptions and clean stat tables.
10. Mark Dekker – Zimbabwe (79 runs)
Mark Dekker enters the list of Highest Career Scores in Debut at No. 10 with a composed 79 runs against New Zealand in 1992. His debut knock was marked by grit and patience, the kind of qualities that define strong top-order players. Despite being new to the international stage, Dekker played with outstanding confidence, rotating the strike smartly and punishing loose deliveries with precision. His innings gave Zimbabwe much-needed stability, showing the world that even new teams can produce technically gifted batters.
His presence in the list of Highest Career Scores in Debut proves how impactful his performance was in shaping early Zimbabwean cricket.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 31/10/1992 | New Zealand | 79 |
9. Graham Barlow – England (80 runs)*
Graham Barlow’s unbeaten 80 stands tall among the Highest Career Scores in Debut, making him one of England’s most impressive debut performers. He displayed cool temperament under pressure and produced an innings filled with elegance, timing, and intelligent strike rotation. Against a strong West Indies attack, Barlow’s shot selection was mature and his calm approach helped England build momentum during a challenging period.
His knock not only showcased his natural skill but also earned him a deserving place among the Highest Career Scores in Debut in ODI cricket.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 26/08/1976 | West Indies | 80* |
8. Brijesh Patel – India (82 runs)
At No. 8 in the Highest Career Scores in Debut stands India’s Brijesh Patel, who delivered a stylish 82 against England in 1974. Known for his strong batting technique and graceful stroke play, Patel showcased confidence far beyond that typical of a debutant. His innings featured beautiful drives, crisp footwork, and the ability to pierce the gaps with ease.
Brijesh Patel’s effort remains one of India’s finest debut knocks, and his place in the Highest Career Scores in Debut list reflects the significance of his achievement.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 13/07/1974 | England | 82 |
7. Robin Uthappa – India (86 runs)
Robin Uthappa’s fiery 86 earns him a proud spot among the Highest Career Scores in Debut. Facing England in 2006, Uthappa demonstrated fearless batting—attacking short deliveries, timing the ball sweetly, and playing with youthful aggression. His knock was filled with bold stroke play and helped India post a competitive total.
Uthappa’s debut performance remains unforgettable, and it continues to be celebrated whenever discussions on the Highest Career Scores in Debut arise.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 15/04/2006 | England | 86 |
6. Derek Randall – England (88 runs)
Derek Randall ranks No. 6 on the Highest Career Scores in Debut list with his classic 88 against the West Indies. Randall, known for his wristy play and tremendous work ethic, displayed both elegance and resilience in his debut knock. His ability to counter top-class fast bowling with well-timed shots made the innings stand out as one of England’s most polished debut performances.
His memorable start remains firmly placed in the Highest Career Scores in Debut record books.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 28/08/1976 | West Indies | 88 |
5. Phil Jaques – Australia (94 runs)
Phil Jaques’ fluent 94 puts him at No. 5 among the Highest Career Scores in Debut. His attacking yet controlled stroke play against South Africa in 2006 showed the world that he was more than ready for the international arena. Known for his crisp drives and powerful back-foot shots, Jaques dominated the bowlers with sheer confidence.
His performance remains one of the brightest Australian entries in the Highest Career Scores in Debut rankings.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 20/01/2006 | South Africa | 94 |
4. Swapnil Patil – UAE (99 runs)*
Swapnil Patil’s unbeaten 99 is one of the most inspiring innings in the Highest Career Scores in Debut list. Representing the UAE, Patil played with stunning maturity against Scotland in 2014. His calmness, determination, and clean shot selection showcased the growing strength of Associate Nations.
Patil’s near-century remains a historic chapter for UAE cricket and stands proudly in the Highest Career Scores in Debut achievements.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 01/02/2014 | Scotland | 99* |
3. Michael Lumb – England (106 runs)
Michael Lumb delivered an electric debut performance with 106 runs, securing the No. 3 position in the Highest Career Scores in Debut lineup. Facing a strong West Indies side, Lumb showed no hesitation in playing bold, attacking cricket. His ability to take on bowlers from the start made his innings stand out as one of England’s most explosive debuts.
His knock continues to inspire newcomers and is celebrated as one of the great entries in the Highest Career Scores in Debut records.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 28/02/2014 | West Indies | 106 |
2. Abid Ali – Pakistan (112 runs)
Abid Ali’s majestic 112 earns him the No. 2 position in the Highest Career Scores in Debut list. His debut hundred against Australia was a display of pure class—perfect balance, flawless timing, and remarkable patience. Abid batted like a seasoned player, showing maturity far beyond his experience.
His performance remains a benchmark for Pakistani debutants and continues to be highlighted whenever discussing the Highest Career Scores in Debut in ODI cricket.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 29/03/2019 | Australia | 112 |
1. Colin Ingram – South Africa (124 runs)
At No. 1 on the list of Highest Career Scores in Debut stands Colin Ingram with a commanding 124. His masterpiece against Zimbabwe in 2010 displayed his exceptional skill combining power hitting, elegant stroke play, and impressive temperament. Ingram controlled the innings from start to finish, punishing short balls, dissecting field placements, and playing risk-free cricket with confidence.
His century remains one of the greatest debut knocks in ODI cricket history and stands at the very top of the Highest Career Scores in Debut, representing dominance, composure, and world-class talent.
| Country | Debut Date | Opponent | Debut Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 15/10/2010 | Zimbabwe | 124 |
READ MORE:
- Top 10 Legendary Players With the Most Top Scoring Innings in ODI Cricket
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FAQ
Who has the highest score on ODI debut?
Colin Ingram holds the record with 124 runs on debut for South Africa.
How rare is it to score a century on ODI debut?
Very rare—only a small group of players have achieved this historic milestone.
Which Indian player has the highest debut score in ODIs?
Robin Uthappa holds the record for India with a brisk 86 runs.
Do debut performances impact a player’s long-term selection?
Yes, impressive debut innings often help players secure a consistent spot in the national squad.
Has any player scored 150 or more on ODI debut?
No player has scored 150+ on debut in ODI cricket so far.
