Varun, Hardik star as young India brush aside Bangladesh, take 1-0 series lead
IPL’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav made an impressive debut and wrist spinner Varun Chakravarthy shone on his T20I comeback to guide India to a seven-wicket win over.
Bangladesh at the newly constructed Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India, despite fielding two debutants and retaining just three players from their T20 World Cup-winning squad, comfortably outplayed Bangladesh, who had an almost unchanged lineup from the World Cup.
Mayank made a promising debut, while Varun marked an impressive comeback to help India skittle out Bangladesh for 127 and then gunned down the target in 11.5 overs thanks to quick cameos from Suryakumar Yadav (29), Sanju Samson (29) and Hardik Pandya (39*). The match also marked the return of international cricket to Gwalior after 14 years, with the newly built stadium making its international debut.
MAYANK, ARSHDEEP, VARUN DISMISS BANGLADESH
All eyes were on 22-year-old Mayank Yadav (1/21) even before the toss, and he did not disappoint in his first competitive outing in over five months. Having garnered attention for consistently bowling in the 150 kmph range during the IPL, Mayank displayed serious pace in his opening spell of 2-1-3-1. Concerns had been raised about his long-term fitness following a side strain, but he alleviated some of those doubts, hitting speeds of 145.7 kmph and 148.7 kmph in his first two overs. Veteran Mahmudullah, wary of his pace, became Mayank’s first international wicket, slicing a catch to Washington Sundar at deep point.
Varun Chakaravarthy (3/31), returning to the team after nearly three years, proved to be a challenge for Bangladesh’s batters, who struggled to read him. His key moment came when he bowled Jaker Ali with a delivery that sharply turned back in. Despite conceding 15 runs in his first over, Varun bounced back by dismissing Towhid Hridoy (12), further destabilizing Bangladesh’s innings.
IND vs BAN, 1st T20I: HIGHLIGHTS FROM GWALIOR
At 64 for five in 10 overs, Bangladesh’s innings was floundering. India capitalized on their advantage, with Mayank returning to bowl the 13th and 19th overs, during which the Bangladesh batters used his pace to hit a few boundaries. However, Mayank finished strong, delivering a couple of yorkers.
Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh (3/14) also played a key role, removing openers Litton Das and Parvez Hossain Emon in the powerplay before claiming his third wicket to wrap up Bangladesh’s innings. Hardik Pandya, alongside Arshdeep, opened the bowling for India.