Mayank Yadav Makes History with First-Ball Wicket in IND vs ZIM T20I
Mayank Yadav has joined an elite list of Indian bowlers by claiming a wicket with the first ball of a T20I match, emulating Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya. The express pacer achieved the feat against Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett in Harare on Thursday.
India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, and Mayank wasted no time making an impact. Charging in at 149 kmph, the right-arm quick delivered a back-of-a-length ball that seamed away late, and Bennett could only manage a faint edge through to wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
Review confirms dream start for India
The on-field umpire turned down India's appeal, but Kishan was convinced he had heard something and immediately urged Iyer to review the decision. UltraEdge confirmed a clear spike as the ball passed the bat, overturning the original verdict and sending Bennett back for a golden duck after facing just one delivery.
Wicket off the first ball of a T20I by an India bowler
Shayan Jahangir (USA) – Arshdeep Singh, Nassau, T20 WC 2024
Saim Ayub (PAK) – Hardik Pandya, Dubai, Asia Cup 2025
Brian Bennett (ZIM) – Mayank Yadav, Harare, 2026
This wicket gave India the perfect start and highlighted Mayank's ability to trouble batters with his pace and movement from the outset. With the dismissal, Mayank also joined an exclusive group of Indian bowlers with multiple first-ball wickets in T20Is.
India bowlers with wickets off the first ball of a T20I innings
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (thrice)
Hardik Pandya (twice)
Arshdeep Singh (twice)
Mayank Yadav (twice)
Ravichandran Ashwin (once)
India had named teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the playing XI, while Rajasthan pacer Ashok Sharma made his international debut. In another first, India also announced designated concussion substitutes for specific roles before the match.
Zimbabwe were forced into a change before the match after Milton Shumba was ruled out of the series with a right hamstring injury, with Innocent Kaia coming in as his replacement. Mayank, however, ensured Zimbabwe's innings began in the worst possible fashion, delivering a dream start for India with a record-equalling first-ball breakthrough.
Source: Yahoo Sports