Scotland fast bowler Charlie Cassell created history on his ODI debut against Oman on July 22. Cassell broke the record for the best bowling figures on debut by taking seven wickets for 21 runs in just 5.4 overs in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 clash.
No bowler has taken seven wickets on ODI debut. Previously, the record belonged to South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada who took six wickets for 16 runs from eight overs against Bangladesh in 2015. West Indies pacer Fidel Edwards is the only other bowler to take six wickets on ODI debut.
For Scotland, Jasper Davidson with four wickets for 23 against Oman on July 16, 2024 held the previous record for best bowling figures on debut in the format.
Cassell’s record-breaking spells
Cassell was handed the new ball by captain Richie Berrington. He got rid of Oman skipper Aqib Illyas for a three-ball duck. In the 11th over, he struck thrice to dismiss Zeeshan Maqsood, Ayaan Khan and Khalid Kail. He did not let Oman rebuild the innings and dismissed Shoaib Khan and Mehran Khan as well. Opener Pratik Athavale was the top-scorer for them with 34 runs. He lost his wicket to Cassell too. In the 22nd over, he wrapped up Oman's innings with the wicket of tailender Bilal Khan.
Oman were bowled out for 91, their second-lowest total in ODI cricket. In the run chase, Scotland lost their openers but Brandon McMullen (37) and Berrington's (24) unbeaten knocks took Scotland hope with eight wickets in hand and 16 balls to spare.
Cassell ecstatic after record-breaking numbers
"It's a but surreal," Cassell said after the match. "You wake up hoping to get one or two on your debut, you don't expect to get seven! You don't feel too under pressure with the boys, they just want you to enjoy your cricket. I felt very relaxed, just hoping to find the right spot, and today was just one of those days."
Best ODI bowling figures for Scotland
Cassell's 7 for 21 is also the best bowling figures for Scotland in ODIs. Josh Davey with six wickets for 28 runs held the previous record for Scotland.
Overall, Cassell's bowling figures are seventh-best in ODIs. The top spot belongs to Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas who took eight wickets for 19 runs against Zimbabwe in 2021.
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