On December 13, 2024, Amir Jangoo made history by becoming the second West Indies player to score a century on his ODI debut. The 27-year-old batter achieved this remarkable feat in the third ODI against Bangladesh at Warner Park in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Jangoo’s unbeaten knock of 104 off 83 balls played a crucial role in helping West Indies achieve the highest successful chase at the venue, reaching the target of 322 with more than four overs to spare. His century not only sealed the victory for his team but also etched his name in the record books as the first West Indies cricketer in over 46 years to score a century on debut. He joined the legendary Desmond Haynes, who achieved the same milestone against Australia in 1978, as the only two West Indies players to score a century in their maiden ODI appearance.
This outstanding performance also helped West Indies complete a clean sweep in the three-match series, defeating Bangladesh 3-0. Jangoo’s innings was a standout contribution in what was a dominant chase, with his aggressive batting setting the tone for the West Indies’ successful run chase.
Jangoo’s achievement places him in an exclusive club of players who have scored centuries on their debut in men’s ODIs. Some other notable names in this elite group include India’s KL Rahul, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and South Africa’s Temba Bavuma, among others.
Here are some other cricketers who have scored centuries on their ODI debut:
- Dennis Amiss (England) - 103 off 134 balls vs Australia (1972)
- Desmond Haynes (West Indies) - 148 off 136 balls vs Australia (1978)
- Andy Flower (Zimbabwe) - 115* off 152 balls vs Sri Lanka (1992)
- Saleem Elahi (Pakistan) - 102* off 133 balls vs Sri Lanka (1995)
- Martin Guptill (New Zealand) - 122* off 135 balls vs West Indies (2009)
- Colin Ingram (South Africa) - 124 off 126 balls vs Zimbabwe (2010)
- Rob Nicol (New Zealand) - 108* off 131 balls vs Zimbabwe (2011)
- Phillips Hughes (Australia) - 112 off 129 balls vs Sri Lanka (2013)
- Michael Lumb (England) - 106 off 117 balls vs West Indies (2014)
- Mark Chapman (Hong Kong) - 124* off 116 balls vs UAE (2015)
- KL Rahul (India) - 100* off 115 balls vs Zimbabwe (2016)
- Temba Bavuma (South Africa) - 113 off 123 balls vs Ireland (2016)
- Imam Ul Haq (Pakistan) - 100 off 125 balls vs Sri Lanka (2017)
- Reeza Hendricks (South Africa) - 102 off 89 balls vs Sri Lanka (2018)
- Abid Ali (Pakistan) - 112 off 119 balls vs Australia (2019)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan) - 127 off 127 balls vs Ireland (2021)
- Michael English (Scotland) - 107 off 122 balls vs Namibia (2024)
- Amir Jangoo (West Indies) - 104* off 83 balls vs Bangladesh (2024)
Reflecting on his landmark achievement, Jangoo expressed his excitement and gratitude. "It’s surreal. It’s an amazing feeling, and I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and it’s finally paying off," Jangoo said in an interview with the ICC. "I just didn’t want to make a duck on debut. My close friend Carty made it easy for me—he told me to enjoy my debut, and that’s exactly what I did. The wicket was pretty good."
Jangoo’s stunning century is a testament to his talent and the hard work he has put into his game. His debut performance will surely be remembered as one of the great moments in West Indies cricket, and it solidifies his place among the most promising young talents in world cricket.
