Mayank Yadav’s blistering start in the third T20I against Bangladesh has etched his name into the annals of Indian cricket history. The 22-year-old paceman became only the fourth bowler to claim a wicket on the first ball of a T20I innings, joining an elite group that includes Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Yadav’s thunderbolt delivery caught Parvez Hossain Emon off guard, forcing him to play an awkward shot that was comfortably caught by Parag at first slip. The wicket set the tone for India’s dominant performance, as they restricted Bangladesh to 164/7 in 20 overs after posting a mammoth 297/6.
India’s batting onslaught was led by Sanju Samson, who became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batter to score a T20I century. Samson’s blistering knock of 111 runs off just 47 balls, including 11 fours and eight sixes, propelled India to their second-highest T20I score.
Samson’s century was not only a personal milestone but also a testament to his exceptional form at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. In eight innings at the venue, he has amassed 398 runs at an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 162.44, with a century and two fifties.
The match also witnessed the second-fastest T20I century by a full-member team player. Samson’s 47-ball ton is only behind the 35-ball centuries scored by South Africa’s David Miller and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma.
Yadav’s wicket and Samson’s century were just two of the many highlights in a high-scoring affair that showcased the depth and talent of Indian cricket. The victory not only sealed the series for India but also provided a glimpse into the future of the team, with young players like Yadav and Samson stepping up to the plate.
