League: Cricket
In a stunning display of bowling prowess, Scotland‘s fast bowler Charlie Cassell led his team to a comprehensive victory against Oman in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match held in Dundee on July 22. Cassell’s extraordinary performance saw Scotland dismiss Oman for a paltry 91 runs in just 21.4 overs, setting the stage for a historic win. Scotland then chased down the target with ease, ensuring a memorable day for the debutant bowler.
Cassell, who was a last-minute inclusion in the Scotland squad, made an unforgettable start to his international career. Called up as a replacement for the unavailable Chris Sole, Cassell seized the opportunity with both hands. He made an immediate impact, trapping Oman’s captain Zeeshan Maqsood lbw on his very first delivery. The very next ball saw Ayaan Khan’s stumps shattered, marking a sensational double-wicket maiden to start his ODI career.
Cassell’s spell only got better as he continued to wreak havoc on the Oman batting lineup. He missed out on a hat-trick but managed to claim his third wicket two balls later, sending Khalid Kail back to the pavilion. In his second over, Cassell took his fourth wicket, having Shoaib Khan caught, and by the end of his third over, he had astonishing figures of 1.3-1-0-4.
Cassell did not stop there. He went on to dismiss Mehran Khan, Pratik Athavale, and Bilal Khan to finish with remarkable figures of 7 for 21 in 5.4 overs. In doing so, Cassell broke the previous record for the best bowling figures on ODI debut, which was held by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, who had taken 6 for 16 against Bangladesh on July 25, 2015.
Cassell’s feat has placed him among the elite in ODI cricket. Below is a list of the best bowling figures by players on their ODI debuts:
Player | Country | Opposition | Year | Figures |
---|---|---|---|---|
Charlie Cassell | Scotland | Oman | 2024 | 7/21 |
Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | Bangladesh | 2015 | 6/16 |
Fidel Edwards | West Indies | Zimbabwe | 2003 | 6/22 |
Jan Frylinck | Namibia | Oman | 2019 | 5/13 |
Tony Dodemaide | Australia | Sri Lanka | 1988 | 5/21 |
Cassell’s extraordinary debut performance not only secured a crucial victory for Scotland but also etched his name in the annals of cricket history. His record-breaking spell is a testament to his skill and potential, promising a bright future for the young pacer.