Amir Jangoo Shines on International Debut with Stunning Century, Leads West Indies to Thrilling Victory Over Bangladesh

Amir Jangoo, a wicketkeeper-batter for the West Indies, made a sensational international debut on December 12, 2024, against Bangladesh in the third ODI at Warner Park, St. Kitts.

The 27-year-old left-handed batter played a match-winning knock of 104 not out, leading the Men in Maroon to a remarkable four-wicket victory and a 3-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh.

A Record-Breaking Debut

Jangoo came to bat at No. 6 when the West Indies were in trouble at 86/4 while chasing a daunting target of 322.

He displayed remarkable composure and aggression during his unbeaten 104 runs off 83 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes.

Jangoo’s innings included a vital 132-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Keacy Carty (95 off 88) and an unbroken 91-run stand for the seventh wicket with Gudakesh Motie (44 off 31), guiding the West Indies to victory in just 45.5 overs.

Jangoo reached his maiden ODI century off just 80 balls, marking the fastest century on debut in ODI history.

This incredible feat surpassed the previous record held by South Africa’s Reeza Hendricks, who scored a debut century in 88 balls in 2018 against Sri Lanka.

Second West Indian to Achieve This Feat

By scoring a century on his ODI debut, Jangoo became only the second West Indian batter to achieve this milestone after the legendary Desmond Haynes.

Haynes had set the record in 1978 against Australia, scoring 148 runs off 136 balls in Antigua. Jangoo also became the first player in ODI history to score a debut century batting at No. 6.

For the West Indies, Jangoo’s performance was reminiscent of Haynes’ heroics, adding to the team’s legacy of great batting debuts.

Jangoo’s Cricketing Journey

Amir Jangoo, born on July 14, 1997, in Trinidad, began his professional career in 2015, representing the West Indies U-19 team. He made his first-class debut in 2017 for Trinidad and Tobago.

While his first-class batting average stands at 34, with one century, and his List A average is 32.63, his T20 record has been less impressive.

In the Caribbean Premier League, Jangoo represented the Trinidad and Tobago Knight Riders in 2020 and the Jamaica Tallawahs in 2022-2023 but failed to make a significant impact, with a highest score of 30 and a strike rate of 80 in 12 innings.

However, his ODI debut showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, combining resilience and aggression.

Contributions from the Opposition

Despite Bangladesh posting a formidable 321-run total, thanks to notable contributions from Mahmudullah (84*), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (77), Soumya Sarkar (73), and Jaker Ali (62*), the West Indies chased down the target with Jangoo and Carty leading the charge.

Player Reactions

Following his sensational performance, Jangoo reflected on his achievement. “It is surreal. It is an amazing feeling, and I have put in a lot of hard work, and it is finally paying off. I just did not want to make a duck on debut,” Jangoo said.

He credited his teammate, Keacy Carty, for his support during the partnership. “He is a close friend of mine, made it easy for me. He told me to enjoy my debut, and that is what I did. It was a pretty good wicket,” Jangoo added.

Jangoo also acknowledged head coach Daren Sammy for providing clear guidance during the innings. “Our head coach gave us a clear path on how to score. Every 10 overs, we had our targets,” he stated.

Looking Ahead

With the ODI series concluded in favor of the West Indies, the teams will now face off in a T20I series starting on Sunday. Jangoo’s dream debut has undoubtedly set the tone for what could be a promising career at the international level.