South Africa batter Jordan Hermann has made a remarkable start to his international career, producing a sensational 150 off 126 balls on his ODI debut against Namibia in Windhoek. The innings has placed Hermann alongside Matthew Breetzke at the top of the list for the highest individual score on men’s ODI debut.
Hermann’s performance is particularly notable because he achieved the landmark versus Namibia on Wednesday, September 9, joining an exclusive group of batters who have made an immediate impact in their first ODI appearance.
Jordan Hermann equals Matthew Breetzke’s ODI debut record
Hermann’s 150 puts him level with fellow South African Matthew Breetzke, who scored 150 runs on his ODI debut against New Zealand in Lahore in 2025.
Breetzke reached his century from 148 deliveries during his first ODI appearance, while Hermann reached the same score from just 126 balls. The two South Africans now share the record for the highest score by a batter on ODI debut.
The achievement also highlights South Africa’s growing production of talented white-ball batters. With both Hermann and Breetzke reaching 150 on debut within two years, the Proteas have added two names to an already impressive list of ODI debut performers.
Desmond Haynes held the record for decades
Before Breetzke broke new ground in 2025, the record belonged to West Indies legend Desmond Haynes for almost five decades.
Haynes scored a magnificent 148 off 136 balls against Australia in St John’s in 1978. His innings stood as the highest individual score on ODI debut for many years and became one of the earliest examples of a batter making an immediate impact in the format.
Haynes went on to establish himself as one of the finest opening batters of his generation. His debut century against Australia was an early indication of the consistency and quality he would eventually bring to international cricket.
Hermann’s latest effort means Haynes now occupies third place on the all-time list.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced a memorable ODI debut in 2021
Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz sits fourth on the list after scoring 127 off 127 balls against Ireland in Abu Dhabi in 2021.
Gurbaz’s century was another important milestone for Afghanistan cricket, with the explosive opener immediately showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage.
Known for his aggressive approach and attacking strokeplay, Gurbaz has since become an important part of Afghanistan’s white-ball batting lineup. His ODI debut remains one of the highest-scoring first appearances in the format.
Mark Chapman and Colin Ingram share fifth place in the unique list
Two batters occupy the next position on the list, with Mark Chapman and Colin Ingram both scoring 124 on ODI debut.
Chapman made 124 not out from 116 balls while representing Hong Kong against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai in 2015. His innings came before he later switched international allegiance and represented New Zealand.
The Hong Kong connection makes Chapman’s achievement particularly interesting. His debut century came while playing for a different international team from the one he would later represent.
South Africa’s Colin Ingram also scored 124, doing so against Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein in 2010. His knock came from 126 deliveries and placed him among the most successful ODI debutants at the time.
Top 5 highest ODI debut scores
| Rank | Batter | Team | Score | Opposition | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| =1 | Jordan Hermann | South Africa | 150 (126) | Namibia | Windhoek | 2026 |
| =1 | Matthew Breetzke | South Africa | 150 (148) | New Zealand | Lahore | 2025 |
| 3 | Desmond Haynes | West Indies | 148 (136) | Australia | St John’s | 1978 |
| 4 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Afghanistan | 127 (127) | Ireland | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| =5 | Mark Chapman | Hong Kong | 124* (116) | UAE | Dubai | 2015 |
| =5 | Colin Ingram | South Africa | 124 (126) | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein | 2010 |
Also READ: Jordan Hermann’s 150 on debut helps South Africa thrash Namibia in the first ODI
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