First player to score an ODI century from each country

#6 Roy Dias (Sri Lanka)

Roy Dias

There were many ODI centuries scored between the years 1974 and 1982 but they all came from either England, West Indies, Australian, Pakistani, or New Zealand batsmen.

Roy Dias finally broke this deadlock in 1982 when he scored a century against India. It was the 2nd ODI of the series and Sri Lanka were squaring off against India at Delhi on September 15, 1982. The Lions chose to bat first and the brilliant 102 from 114 deliveries from Dias as well as a well made 74 from Sidath Wettimuny helped Sri Lanka to a brilliant total of 277 in 50 overs.

However, the fearless Men in Blue were up to the task. Kris Srikkanth hit 95 off 66 balls and came close to scoring the first ever ODI century for India. Vengsarkar added 53 runs and Ashok Malhotra also made 44. Sandeep Patil also smacked 64 off 44 deliveries and eventually, India chased down the target comfortably in 40.5 Overs. With this win, India also claimed the three-match series.

However, the stylish Roy's innings is always cherished. The elegant batsmen went on to become one of Sri Lanka's finest batsmen. In fact, after his first century, Dias hit another century against India in the 3rd ODI of the tour. However, it was again in a losing cause.