ZIM vs IND 2026: Indian cricket fans’ dream to watch Mayank Yadav back in action was finally fulfilled on Thursday. The 24-year-old seamer was at his devastating best with the ball as he picked up two wickets for 18 runs from his four overs.

Speaking at the end of the game, Lucknow Super Giants pacer told the broadcasters, “It feels great to contribute to a win. It’s a great feeling, especially coming back after a very long interval. It’s a very special moment for me.” Mayank became the third Indian bowler to take a wicket on the first ball of the game. The pacer has achieved this feat twice, with Hardik Pandya and Arshdeep Singh being the other two.

Brian Bennett was beaten for pace, and the batter could only get an edge that wasn’t heard by the umpire. Ishan Kishan, though, was confident and asked Shreyas Iyer to use the review. In the end, the decision came in favour of the bowling side, who managed to make a key breakthrough. The ball clocked 149 kmph, and the pacer showed he didn’t lose his speed despite the injury setbacks.

His second wicket was of Dion Myers, who offered a simple catch to Shivam Dube for six runs. His only boundary came off an edge that flew over the slip cordon to the third-man region.

Shreyas Iyer praises pace sensation

Indian skipper Shreyas Iyer, speaking at the end of the game, hailed the speedster from Delhi. The 31-year-old said, “Mayank gave us an exceptional start. He executed his line and length well, and that was crucial for us.

LSG star was also asked to comment on the wicket and his experience of playing in Zimbabwe. “The wicket was good, and I enjoyed bowling here. I am playing here for the first time. I was getting good help from the surface. The biggest difference was the bounce I was getting, and the ball was swinging as well.”