Mayank Yadav's comeback earns Player of Match in India win

Fast bowler Mayank Yadav made a triumphant return to international cricket, taking a wicket with his first delivery and earning Player of the Match honors as India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20 International in Harare on July 24, 2026. The victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked the first T20I win under new captain Shreyas Iyer.

Playing his first match for India since October 2024 after a series of injuries, Yadav immediately made his presence felt. Bowling the opening over after India elected to field, he dismissed Zimbabwean opener Brian Bennett with his very first ball, a decision secured after India successfully reviewed the on-field umpire's call. Yadav later removed Dion Myers, finishing with excellent figures of two wickets for 18 runs from his four overs. His spell, combined with fellow pacer Prince Yadav's two for 19, helped restrict Zimbabwe to 125 for seven in their 20 overs.

In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Yadav described the emotional significance of his comeback after a challenging two-year layoff. He said taking a wicket with his first ball summarized the difficult journey and...