Out on 99: Only two ODI debutants to be dismissed on 99
Cricket has indeed witnessed a plethora of changes over the years. Rules were tinkered, dynamics of the games were changed and even a new format came into the picture. However, what remained constant is the popularity of the sport. Speaking of the ODI format, this version of the game tests several aspects of a player. With an innings consisting of 300 legal deliveries, players can’t be hasty but they also need to keep an eye on the clock.
While scoring runs in an ODI match is not easy, the challenge becomes even more daunting when a player is making his debut. Besides facing a quality bowling attack, the pressure of playing cricket at the highest level can get the better of a debutant. Nevertheless, several players have embraced this challenge and made a mark on their debut.
Quite interestingly, as many as 16 players have smashed centuries on ODI debut. However, there have been a couple of unfortunate players who shone in their maiden ODI assignment but remained stranded at 99.
Meanwhile, let’s look at two players who scored 99 on ODI debut:
Eoin Morgan
One of the finest England captains ever, Eoin Morgan hails from Ireland and the southpaw also made his ODI debut for his birth country. The year was 2006 and the opposition were Scotland. Coming to bat at number three, the then youngster brilliantly tackled the Scottish bowlers at the Cambusdoon New Ground in Ayr.
Notably, Morgan kept running out of partners from the other end but he didn’t lose his concentration. He even looked all set to get the three-figure mark. However, the southpaw, unfortunately, got run out on 99. Nevertheless, his efforts took Ireland to an 85-run win.
Swapnil Patil
UAE wicketkeeper Swapnil Patel is the other player to feature in this unique list. The right-handed batter made his ODI debut against Scotland in the high-voltage final of the Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014. In UAE’s chase of 286, Swapnil came out to bat at number five and never looked like a man on debut.
Despite not receiving substantial support from the other end, the then youngster played some fine shots and kept his side in the hunt. He eventually remained stranded at 99 as UAE lost the contest by 41 runs.
