Well, representing their home countries in the world’s most prestigious One-Day International (ODI) format is nothing short of a dream for the majority of international cricketers out there. The star-studded history of the One-Day Internationals (ODIs) has witnessed numerous prominent and legendary international cricketers, including Virat Kohli, Ab de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara, Ricky Ponting and many others dominating the format with his fearless innings. A few iconic international cricketers have defied the odds of their age and made their roaring ODI debuts, leaving the fans stunned with their spine-chilling performances on the field. Have you ever wondered about the oldest ODI debutants who have ruled the pitch with their unmatched exploits? Well, let’s find out.
In this article we will take a look at the top four oldest ODI debutants who have left a mark in the game with their dominating innings.
Top 4 Oldest ODI Debutants Who Left the Fans Stunned
Nolan Clarke, Netherlands – 47 Years
The iconic Barbados-born Dutch former cricketer, Nolan Clarke, is at the first spot in our list of the top four legendary ODI debutants who defied the odds of their age and created a legacy that still resonates. The legendary batsman, Nolan Clarke, made his roaring ODI debut at the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup at the age of 47 years and 257 days, making him the oldest international cricketer to make his debut in the One-Day International format as of July 2025.
Well, although Nolan Clarke stepped into the most prestigious and ever-competitive format of cricket at an age where a majority of cricketers almost retired, his performance throughout the seven matches that he played in the tournament defied the myths and established him as one of the greatest international cricketers of all-time. Nolan Clarke played a total of seven matches throughout the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup and amassed a brilliant total of 170 runs at a blistering average of 24.28.
Norman Gifford, England – 44 Years
At the second spot in our list of the top four oldest ODI debutants who have left a mark in the game with their dominating innings, we have the retired English cricketer, Norman Gifford, who played primarily as a left-arm spinner for the England national cricket team. Norman Gifford made his iconic ODI debut in 1985 at the age of 44 years and 359 days – just a week before his 45th birthday.
Although the fans of the England national cricket team were a bit too sceptical about Normal Gifford’s inclusion in England’s playing eleven, the spin wizard left them stunned with his annihilating bowling dominance throughout the tournament. With the best bowling figures of 1/39, Norman Gifford undoubtedly defied the odds of age and established himself as one of the greatest English bowlers of the era. Norma Gifford played a total of two ODIs for England between 1964 and 1985.
Farokh Engineer, India – 36 Years 138 days
Next, at the third spot in our list of the top four legendary ODI debutants who defied the odds of their age and created a legacy that still resonates, we have the legendary Indian former cricketer, Farokh Engineer, who usually played as an opening batsman and wicket-keeper for the Indian side. At the age of 36 years and 138 days, Farokh Engineer was made part of the Indian ODI squad for their first-ever official ODI series against England in 1974.
Since Farokh Engineer has already proven his bowling calibre in the test format since 1961, his inclusion in India’s playing eleven o in the ODI format was widely trusted by the fans of Indian cricket. Unfortunately, Farokh Engineer failed to meet the expectations of millions of Indian cricket aficionados from all over the world and wasn’t able to score any runs throughout the tournament. As a consequence, it turned out to be the first and last ODI stint for Farokh Engineer.
Imran Tahir, South Africa – 31 Years
Finally, at the fourth spot in our list of the top four oldest ODI debutants who have left a mark in the game with their dominating innings, we have the South African former international cricketer, Imran Tahir, who is often hailed as one of the most dynamic bowlers to ever represent South Africa in the international cricket arena.
Imran Tahir made his ODI debut against West Indies on 12 February 2011 in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup at the age of 31 years and 330 days, making him the fourth-oldest international cricketer ever to make an ODI debut as of July 2025. Imran Tahir proved his bowling excellence and picked up a total of four wickets, conceding only 41 runs in the ten overs that he bowled throughout the tournament. Imran Tahir’s annihilating bowling attack against the West Indies dismissed Devon Smith, Darren Bravo, Ramnaresh Sarwan, and Kieron Pollard, which proved to be a haunting deal for the Windies at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
