Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra became the 15th and 16th players to score a century on their World Cup debut. They achieved this against England in Ahmedabad on October 5, 2023. Chasing 283, New Zealand lost Will Young early, but Conway (152) and Ravindra (123) took them home with 13.4 overs left. Here are five other cricketers who hit a hundred in their first World Cup game:
5 Gary Kirsten – World Cup 1996
Gary Kirsten, a prolific opener for South Africa in his pomp, made his World Cup debut in 1996 with a stunning century against the United Arab Emirates.
Kirsten stayed undefeated in only the second game of the tournament in Rawalpindi, scoring 188* off 159 balls in a performance that contained 13 fours and four sixes. That spectacular hit propelled the Proteas to 321/2 in 50 overs. UAE’s response was always going to be difficult, as they only managed 152/8.
4 Scott Styris – World Cup 2003
While Scott Styris’ effort against Sri Lanka in the 2003 World Cup went in vain, he demonstrated why he was a capable all-rounder. Sanath Jayasuriya’s century meant the Kiwis needed to chase 273 to win the game.
Styris, on the other hand, had to come out to bat in a hazardous situation at 2/2 and attempt an implausible rearguard action. While New Zealand continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, Styris appeared to be batting at the other end on an entirely other surface. He hit a remarkable 141 off just 125 balls, ensuring that the Kiwis fought hard in their pursuit.
3 Andrew Symonds – World Cup
Andrew Symonds was a match-winner for Australia in the 2003 World Cup. He proved his worth in the first game against Pakistan, when his team was in trouble at 86/4.
Symonds smashed 143 off 125 balls, including 18 fours and two sixes, to lift Australia to 310/8. Pakistan could not chase down the target and were all out for 228. Symonds’ knock set the tone for Australia’s unbeaten run to the title.
2 Aaron Finch – World Cup 2015
Aaron Finch had to wait a long time to participate in his first World Cup game, but when he did, he seized it with both hands at home against England in 2015.
His brilliant knock of 135 off 128 balls set Australia off to an ideal start to the competition. This hit enabled the hosts record a whopping 342/9 in 50 overs and provide a challenge to Eoin Morgan and company.
In response, England appeared to be always playing catch-up, as they could only produce 231 before getting bowled out in the 42nd over.
1 Virat Kohli – World Cup 2011
A teenage Virat Kohli had joined the 2011 World Cup roster thanks to his exceptional consistency in one-day internationals in the 12 months coming up to the championship. Perhaps it was fitting that the possibly best ODI hitter of his time began his 50-over World Cup odyssey with a century against Bangladesh.
The game is renowned for Virender Sehwag’s 175, but Virat Kohli also went unbeaten on 100* and formed a key partnership with the experienced opener to help the Men in Blue record 370/4. Bangladesh attempted to respond, but could only achieve 283/9, delivering the Men in Blue a comfortable victory.
