In an extraordinary debut performance, Scotland pacer Charlie Cassell shattered South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada’s nine-year-old record for the best bowling figures on debut in Men’s ODIs. Cassell’s remarkable figures of 7-21 in 5.4 overs against Oman in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match on Monday have etched his name in cricket history.
Cassell was a last-minute addition to the Scotland squad, replacing Chris Sole, who made himself unavailable due to personal reasons. The young pacer made an immediate impact, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy by trapping former Oman captain Zeeshan Maqsood lbw with his very first ball in international cricket.
His sensational spell continued as his second delivery breached the defenses of Ayaan Khan, marking the first instance of a bowler picking up wickets with his first two balls in ODI cricket. Two balls later, Cassell dismissed Khalid Kail, further asserting his dominance.
Cassell’s debut only got better as he ripped through the Oman batting lineup. By the 18th over, he had already secured a five-wicket haul with the dismissal of Mehran Khan, joining an exclusive list of 15 players who have achieved a five-for on their Men’s ODI debut.
The record-breaking performance culminated with Cassell running through the Oman tail, finishing with figures of 7-21. This surpassed Kagiso Rabada’s record of 6-16, set against Bangladesh in July 2015. Cassell now holds the seventh-best bowling figures by a player in ODIs.
Oman, having been asked to bat first, were bowled out for a mere 91 in 21.4 overs. Pratik Athavale top-scored with 34, while only two other batters managed to reach double digits.
Cassell’s extraordinary debut has not only set a new benchmark but also provided a promising glimpse into the future of Scotland’s cricketing prospects.
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