Champions Trophy 2025: India trounce Bangladesh by six wickets

Dubai: A scintillating century from Shubman Gill and a five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami propelled India to a clinical six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

India’s pace attack made an immediate impact, with Shami dismantling Bangladesh’s top order in a devastating spell. Debutant Harshit Rana complemented him well, ensuring Bangladesh reeled at 35/5 inside the first 10 overs.

Axar Patel further dented Bangladesh’s innings with a double strike, removing Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim off successive deliveries.

However, Towhid Hridoy produced a resilient counter attack, forging a record 152-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali. Hridoy’s 100 off 118 balls not only salvaged Bangladesh’s innings but also made him only the ninth player to score a century on his Champions Trophy debut.

Despite their fightback, Bangladesh were bowled out for 228 in 49.4 overs.

Chasing a modest target, India made a steady start with skipper Rohit Sharma scoring a brisk 41 off 36 balls before falling to Taskin Ahmed. Shubman Gill then took centre stage, constructing a masterful innings despite a slow start. His eighth ODI century, achieved in 125 balls, was among the slowest for India in recent years but underlined his temperament and class.

India faced a brief wobble with Virat Kohli (22 off 38) and Shreyas Iyer (15 off 17) falling cheaply.

Rahul ensured India’s victory with an unbeaten 41, finishing the chase in style in the 47th over.

India will next face arch rivals Pakistan on Feb. 23 at the Dubai International Stadium.