India kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament with a definitive six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their Group A opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Mohammed Shami’s scintillating 5/53 and Shubman Gill’s unbeaten 101 guided India to chase down 229 in 46.3 overs, finishing with 21 balls to spare in a display of resilience and class.
Shami’s Brilliance Sets the Stage
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bat first under overcast skies, but Shami ensured that Bangladesh had a torrid start. The veteran pacer, back in ICC action after over a year sidelined by injury, struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Soumya Sarkar and Tanzid Hasan. Harshit Rana removed Shanto for a duck, and Axar Patel’s twin strikes left Bangladesh at 35/5. Shami’s five-wicket haul – his best in the tournament – saw him become the fastest to 200 ODI wickets.
(Pic Credit: BCCI X)
A remarkable 154-run sixth-wicket stand between Towhid Hridoy (100 off 114) and Jaker Ali (68 off 114) revived Bangladesh. Hridoy’s maiden ODI ton, despite cramps, and Jaker’s grit tested India, though dropped catches by Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul offered reprieves. Shami’s return broke the partnership, and Bangladesh were bowled out for 228 in 49.4 overs.
Gill Anchors India’s Chase
India’s reply began with a brisk 69-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) and Gill. Rohit, crossing 11,000 ODI runs with seven boundaries, fell to Taskin Ahmed in the 10th over. Rishad Hossain struck twice, dismissing Virat Kohli (22 off 38) and Axar Patel (8), leaving India at 122/3. Gill, however, stood firm, crafting an unbeaten 101 off 129 balls – his eighth ODI century. KL Rahul’s 41* off 47, finished with a towering six off Tanzim, sealed the win in 46.3 overs.
(Pic Credit: BCCI X)
Reflections and Ahead
Gill called it a “satisfying knock” on a tricky pitch, while Rohit downplayed India’s 11th straight toss loss: “The ball comes on better under lights here.” Shanto rued the early collapse: “35/5 was hard to recover from.”
India face Pakistan in what's certain to be a thriller on February 23 in Dubai, while Bangladesh take on New Zealand on February 24 in Rawalpindi. With Shami’s fire and Gill’s form, India has clearly signalled their intent to reclaim the crown.