India’s Yadav marks return with sharp bowling display in Zimbabwe T20I
Mayank Yadav’s figures of 2/18 and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s half-century guide India to a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the opening match of the three-match series.
Indian fast bowler Mayank Yadav has returned to the national side after a 21-month absence due to injury, delivering a potent four-over spell of 2/18 in the opening T20I against Zimbabwe. The match, held at the Harare Sports Club, saw India restrict their opponents to 125/7 before chasing down the target in just 13.2 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Yadav, who underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his back in Christchurch, New Zealand, in July 2025, made an immediate impact by dismissing Brian Bennett with the first ball of the innings. Bowling consistently at speeds above 140 kmph, he extracted seam movement and bounce that troubled Zimbabwe’s batters throughout his spell.
Reflecting on his comeback, Yadav emphasised the psychological aspects of his recovery over the physical. He stated that mental strength and a deeper understanding of his body during rehabilitation were crucial to his successful return. Although he admitted to initial nervousness given the two-year gap, he noted that the early wicket helped him settle and execute his plan to simply bowl with his inherent strength.
The victory was largely secured by the batting performance of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who scored a half-century off 19 balls. The teenager’s explosive innings, featuring four fours and four sixes, marked his first substantial contribution in international cricket and provided the platform for India to comfortably chase the target.
The result places India ahead in the series, with Yadav’s return signalling a strengthened bowling attack for the remaining matches. His ability to bowl with pace and precision after such a significant layoff highlights the effectiveness of the rehabilitation process and the mental resilience required to regain international form.
