Fast bowler Mayank Yadav made an unforgettable international debut as India secured a dominant seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series. The 22-year-old pacer, who shot to fame during the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), described his debut as “the greatest moment of his life.” The match was held on Sunday, October 6, at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Gwalior.
Mayank’s entry into international cricket followed an impressive IPL season, where he clocked speeds up to 156.7 km/h and took seven wickets in four matches for Lucknow Super Giants before an injury halted his campaign. On October 6, he made a triumphant return to the field in India’s colors.
Reflecting on the milestone, he expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, calling it a moment he would cherish forever.
“The best feeling for a cricketer is to play for his country and wearing the blue jersey for me it’s like a dream come true……this will remain the best moment of my life. I’m very grateful for God that he gave me strength and to all the people who helped me in my hard time and supported throughout,” Mayank wrote on Instagram.
The debutant made an immediate impact, delivering a maiden over—an achievement that places him in an elite group of Indian bowlers to do so on their T20I debut, alongside Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep Singh. Yadav bowled a tidy spell, conceding just 21 runs in his four overs and taking the key wicket of veteran Bangladeshi all-rounder Mahmudullah.
India opted to bowl first, and it was Arshdeep Singh who set the tone by dismissing Bangladesh opener Litton Das in the opening over. The Indian bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with regular breakthroughs reducing Bangladesh to 57/5 at one point. Despite a late resistance from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who remained unbeaten on 35 from 32 balls, Bangladesh could only muster 127 runs before being bowled out.
In India’s reply, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson contributed 29 runs each, ensuring India’s chase stayed on course. Hardik Pandya played a blistering knock toward the end, smashing 39 runs from just 16 balls to seal the win. India reached the target in just 11.5 overs, with 49 balls to spare, marking a comprehensive victory.
With this seven-wicket win, India now leads the series 1-0, and Mayank Yadav’s debut is sure to be remembered as a bright moment in Indian cricket’s fast-bowling future.
