Top 10 Players Who Scored a Century in ICC World Cup Debut
Cricket has witnessed numerous historic moments, and one of the most exhilarating feats is a batsman scoring a century in their ICC World Cup debut.

Cricket has witnessed numerous historic moments, and one of the most exhilarating feats is a batsman scoring a century in their ICC World Cup debut. The pressure of a global tournament, the expectations of a nation, and the magnitude of the event make such performances truly remarkable. In this article, we explore the top 10 players who etched their names in cricketing history by achieving the incredible milestone of scoring a century in their debut appearance in the ICC Cricket World Cup.
1. Andrew Strauss – England (Vs. West Indies, 2003)
The inaugural century on debut in the ICC Cricket World Cup came from the elegant English opener Andrew Strauss. In the 2003 edition of the tournament, Strauss faced the West Indies and showcased his class with a magnificent century. His composed innings of 100 runs set the tone for England, and Strauss became the first player to achieve this remarkable feat in the history of the Cricket World Cup.For the latest updates on the ICC Cricket World Cup and a unique blend of cricketing excitement and cinematic entertainment, make sure to visit IPL Cinema.
2. Andrew Symonds – Australia (Vs. Pakistan, 2003)
The dynamic Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds left an indelible mark in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup when he scored a scintillating century against Pakistan. Symonds’ explosive innings of 143 runs not only helped Australia post a formidable total but also highlighted his ability to thrive under pressure on the world stage.
3. Kapil Dev – India (Vs. Zimbabwe, 1975)
The legendary Indian captain Kapil Dev announced his arrival on the World Cup stage in 1975 with a spectacular century against Zimbabwe. Kapil’s unbeaten knock of 175 runs remains one of the iconic innings in World Cup history. His swashbuckling innings showcased his prowess with the bat and set the stage for a storied career in international cricket.
4. Martin Guptill – New Zealand (Vs. Sri Lanka, 2011)
New Zealand’s Martin Guptill etched his name in the record books during the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup. Facing Sri Lanka in his World Cup debut, Guptill played a sublime innings, reaching an unbeaten 103 runs. His innings provided a solid platform for New Zealand, and it marked the beginning of Guptill’s reputation as a dependable top-order batsman.
5. Andrew Hudson – South Africa (Vs. West Indies, 1992)
In the 1992 Cricket World Cup, South African batsman Andrew Hudson made a stunning debut by scoring a century against the West Indies. Hudson’s innings of 79 balls and 161 runs set the record for the highest individual score in a World Cup debut. His aggressive yet controlled batting style left a lasting impression on the tournament.
6. David Miller – South Africa (Vs. West Indies, 2015)
Another South African batsman makes the list, as David Miller showcased his explosive batting in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. Facing the West Indies, Miller blazed his way to a century, scoring an unbeaten 138 runs. His innings included a barrage of boundaries and sixes, captivating fans and announcing his arrival on the World Cup stage.
7. James Taylor – England (Vs. Australia, 2015)
James Taylor made a significant impact in his World Cup debut during the 2015 edition against arch-rivals Australia. His innings of 98 runs demonstrated his grit and determination, falling just short of a century. Taylor’s knock was crucial in helping England post a competitive total, showcasing his ability to handle pressure in a marquee event.
8. Dennis Amiss – England (Vs. India, 1975)
Dennis Amiss, an English cricketer of the ’70s, set the tone for his World Cup campaign in the inaugural edition in 1975. Amiss scored a memorable century against India, making him one of the pioneers in achieving this milestone. His stylish stroke play and ability to anchor the innings laid the foundation for England’s success in the tournament.
9. Shikhar Dhawan – India (Vs. South Africa, 2015)
Known for his flair and flamboyance, Shikhar Dhawan made a significant impact in his World Cup debut in 2015. Facing South Africa, Dhawan played a scintillating innings, amassing 137 runs. His performance not only propelled India to a formidable total but also set the stage for Dhawan’s reputation as a big-game player in ICC events.
10. Martin Crowe – New Zealand (Vs. England, 1983)
New Zealand’s Martin Crowe announced himself on the World Cup stage with a century in his debut match against England in 1983. Crowe’s composed innings of 100 runs showcased his technical prowess and set the tone for a distinguished career in international cricket. His contribution laid the foundation for New Zealand’s success in the tournament.
Conclusion
Scoring a century in the ICC Cricket World Cup debut is a rare and prestigious achievement that reflects a player’s talent, composure, and ability to perform on the grandest stage of them all. The players on this list not only left an indelible mark in the annals of cricket history but also set the standard for excellence in World Cup cricket. As we celebrate these memorable innings, it reminds us of the unpredictable and captivating nature of the sport, where dreams are realized and legends are born with each swing of the bat.