3 cricketers who won Player of the Match on their debut

Making an international debut is a dream for every cricketer, but making an immediate match-winning impact is even more special. Only a handful of players have managed to announce themselves on the biggest stage by walking away with the Player of the Match award in their very first appearance in a particular format.

Here are three memorable debut performances from cricketers that helped them win the Player of the Match award:

1. Hardik Pandya (ODI Debut vs New Zealand)

Hardik Pandya enjoyed a dream start to his ODI career when India faced New Zealand in the first ODI in Dharamsala on 16th October, 2016. The pace-bowling all-rounder produced a superb spell of 3/31 in seven overs, helping India dismiss the visitors for just 190.

His breakthroughs ensured New Zealand never felt comfortable at any stage throughout the innings. India then chased down the target comfortably in 33.1 overs, winning by six wickets. Pandya's outstanding bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award, making him one of the few Indians to achieve the feat on ODI debut.

2. Ricky Ponting (T20I Debut vs New Zealand)

Ricky Ponting etched his name into history during the first-ever men's T20 International, played between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland on February 17, 2005. Ponting blasted an unbeaten 98 off just 55 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes to propel Australia to 214/5.

His explosive knock proved far beyond New Zealand's reach as the hosts were bowled out for 170, handing Australia a 44-run victory. Ponting's breathtaking innings earned him the Player of the Match award on his T20I debut in what became a landmark match for international cricket.

3. Andrew Strauss (Test Debut vs New Zealand)

Andrew Strauss announced his arrival in Test cricket with a magnificent batting display at Lord's, during the first Test against New Zealand in May, 2004. The left-hander scored 112 in the first innings, decorated with 13 boundaries, helping England post 441 and secure a 55-run first-innings lead. 

Chasing 282 in the fourth innings, Strauss once again rose to the occasion, compiling 83 with another 13 fours to guide England home by seven wickets. His twin match-defining knocks earned him the Player of the Match award, making for one of the finest Test debuts in England's cricket history.