Mayank Yadav bowled with rattling speed in a promising debut, while mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy made an excellent recovery to set up India’s commanding seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the series-opening T20 in Gwalior on Sunday. India, brimming with new talent, bundled out Bangladesh for a below-par 127 before the batsmen unleashed a slew of bold strokes to reach the goal in 11.5 overs. Rookie Mayank and Varun got the ball rolling, but sizzling cameos from Sanju Samson (29 off 19), skipper Suryakumar Yadav (29 off 14), and Hardik Pandya (39 not out off 16) secured a comfortable chase for the hosts.
A packed audience at the newly constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium watched high-quality bowling from India and generally average batting from their opponents.
All eyes were on Mayank (1/21) from the moment he marked his run-up before the toss, and the 22-year-old Delhi native did not disappoint in his first competitive game in more than five months.
Mayank, who drew national attention for routinely bowling in the 150kmph zone during the IPL, was able to produce substantial speed in his first spell of 2-1-3-1. His first delivery was a maiden. After suffering a side strain immediately after a stunning IPL debut, there were concerns about his long-term fitness, but he allayed some of them on Sunday.
Mayank blasted 145.7 kmph on only his second ball of the evening, then reached 148.7 kmph on the first ball of his second over. Veteran batsman Mahmudullah was among those who were suspicious of his added pace, and he ended up taking the pacer’s maiden international wicket. The 38-year-old attempted to improvise by charging down the wicket but instead sliced a routine catch to Washington Sundar at deep point.
Varun (3/31), who returned to the squad after nearly three years, plagued the Bangladesh hitters, who struggled to read him. Among them was middle-order batsman Jaker Ali, who had his stumps smashed by a ball that spun back in.
Varun, like Mayank, was introduced into the power play. After allowing 15 runs in his first over, the mystery spinner responded by dismissing Towhid Hridoy (12). Bangladesh’s innings was stalled at 64 for five in ten overs, and India was able to capitalize on their lead.
He completed his quota by bowling the 19th over, which contained a few yorkers. Left-arm bowler Arshdeep Singh (3/14) contributed to Bangladesh’s powerplay by dismissing openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon before taking his third wicket to finish the session.
India came out to bat with ferocious determination, with Abhishek Sharma (16 off 7) and Samson leading from the start. Samson, who had been promoted to the top of the order, produced a couple of lovely strokes before being bowled by off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Suryakumar’s innings was highlighted by his pick-up strokes off bowler Taskin Ahmed in the fifth over. India surged to 71 for two in the powerplay, ensuring the outcome. Debutant Nitish Reddy (16 not out of 15) and Hardik led the squad home in style. Hardik went ballistic in Taskin Ahmed’s 12th over to finish the game in style.