On his ODI debut against Namibia in Windhoek, opener Jordan Hermann hit an incredible 150 off just 126 balls, matching the record for the highest score by a batter on an ODI debut. Hermann, a South African rookie, matched the record set by colleague Matthew Breetzke last year, who also hit 150 on his ODI debut, with a magnificent innings that included 17 fours and three sixes.
His Proteas teammate Matthew Breetzke set that record on February 10, 2025, when he made his own ODI debut against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, scoring 150 off 148 balls. As the only two players in the history of the game to score 150 runs in their maiden ODI appearance, Hermann and Breetzke now top this record.
Hermann, who made his T20I debut earlier this year, opened the innings with Connor Esterhuizen and earned his first ODI cap in the series opener. Hermann teamed up with seasoned Tony de Zorzi to launch a counterattack after South Africa lost an early wicket. The two put up a massive 190-run stand off just 167 balls.
Before making a remarkable change of pace, Hermann reached his half-century with 61 balls. In just 32 deliveries, he reached his second 50, setting up an unforgettable first-ever ODI century. The 23-year-old persisted in his onslaught, going from 100 to 150 in an additional 32 balls, making him the second hitter to reach 150 on his ODI debut. However, Ruben Trumpelmann took the valuable wicket on the very next delivery, ending his record-equalling effort.
South Africa now has the top two spots in the list of highest individual scores in ODI debuts thanks to Hermann’s efforts. After hitting 148 off 136 balls against Australia in St John’s on February 22, 1978, West Indies legend Desmond Haynes is ranked third. This total held the record for over 50 years until Breetzke broke it in Lahore in 2025.
| Runs | Player | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | Jordan Hermann | Namibia | Windhoek | 2026 |
| 150 | Matthew Breetzke | New Zealand | Lahore | 2025 |
| 148 | Desmond Haynes | Australia | St John’s | 1978 |
| 127 | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Ireland | Abu Dhabi | 2021 |
| 124* | Mark Chapman | USA | Dubai | 2015 |
| 124 | Colin Ingram | Zimbabwe | Bloemfontein | 2010 |
