Dundee [Scotland], July 22: Scotland pacer Charlie Cassell etched his name in cricket history with the best-ever bowling figures on ODI debut during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 match against Oman on Monday. Cassell’s impeccable line and length left the Oman batters floundering, culminating in remarkable figures of 7/21 from 5.4 overs at the Forthill Cricket Ground.
Previously, this record belonged to South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, who stunned Bangladesh with figures of 6/16 on his ODI debut in July 2015. Cassell was called up to the Scotland squad as a replacement for fast bowler Chris Sole, who was unavailable due to personal reasons.
In his spell, Cassell dismantled Oman’s batting lineup, restricting them to a paltry total of 91 in just 21.3 overs. His debut began spectacularly, with back-to-back wickets on his first two deliveries. He trapped Zeeshan Maqsood lbw and bowled Ayan Khan for a golden duck. Although he missed a hat-trick, he claimed Khalid Kail’s wicket on the fourth ball, marking a sensational start to his ODI career.
Scotland captain Richie Berrington, presenting Cassell with his cap before the game, lauded his resilience and determination. “You’ve come back from a huge setback with that massive injury that put you out for over a year. Your resilience, and the way you’ve performed for Forfs [Forfarshire], is nothing short of incredible,” Berrington said.
Cassell’s incredible feat placed him among cricketing greats. His fifth wicket of the match, Mehran Khan, saw him join Rabada and the West Indies’ Fidel Edwards in claiming six wickets on an ODI debut. However, it was Bilal Khan’s dismissal, caught behind, that secured Cassell the record for best figures on ODI debut, an achievement that has now become part of cricket folklore.
TNL News Network
