Against Bangladesh at Gwalior, Mayank Yadav became the third Indian to begin his men’s T20I career with a maiden over.
The speedster became an overnight sensation in the 2024 Indian Premier League, regularly breaching the 150kph barrier with a top speed of 157kph - thought to be the fastest delivery bowled by an Indian cricketer.
However, an injury restricted Mayank's season to four games in the 2024 IPL – but not before he had taken 7-85 in 12.1 overs. His pace, accuracy, and ability to extract bounce impressed all and sundry.
There were speculations around when he would return. There was some optimism from all quarters when Delhi included him in their longlist for the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy squad and, finally, when the Indian selectors picked him for the three T20Is against Bangladesh. They included him in the XI for the first T20I.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav held back Mayank after he won the toss and opted to field in the first T20I, at Gwalior, opting to open the bowling with Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. Arshdeep quickly took out Parvez Hossain Emon and Litton Das, the openers. Bangladesh were 39-2 after five overs when Mayank ran in to bowl his first ball in international cricket, to Towhid Hridoy.
Mayank’s first ball came at 141.9kph. Hridoy let it go to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson.
The second was quicker, at 145.1kph and moved away. Hridoy pushed it to mid-off.
Hridoy made room outside the leg stump before Mayank released the third ball, but could make no contact with this, the slowest of his spell until that point, at 138kph.
For the fourth ball, Mayank increased the pace to 147.3kph. Hridoy middled his stroke, but could only play to backward point.
The fifth ball, the slowest of the over, came at only 135.2kph. This, too, Hridoy played to backward point.
The last ball over was straighter, at 147.6kph. Perhaps to adjust for the pace, Hridoy was quicker in pace. Unfortunately, he turned his bat too quickly, and the leading edge went harmlessly to mid-off.
Mayank became only the third Indian man, after Ajit Agarkar and Arshdeep, to begin his T20I career with maiden over.
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