India kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Thursday (Feb 21) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The match showcased a blend of disciplined bowling and resilient batting, setting a strong tone for India’s title aspirations in the tournament.
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| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Bangladesh, opting to bat first after winning the toss, stumbled early, plummeting to 35/5 within the first nine overs. If not for an easy drop catch at first slip by Indian captain Rohit Sharma, Bangladesh would have been down to 35/6 and Axar Patel would be celebrating a hat-trick!
A spirited fightback from Towhid Hridoy, who scored a maiden ODI century (100), alongside Jaker Ali’s 68, forged a record-breaking 154-run sixth-wicket partnership. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh were bowled out for 228 in 49.4 overs. Mohammed Shami, making a stellar return to ICC events, spearheaded the attack with a sensational five-wicket haul (5/53), reaching the milestone of 200 ODI wickets.
Indian pacer Harshit Rana also impressed with the ball by claiming three wickets. India’s chase began briskly with a 69-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) and Shubman Gill. Though Bangladesh’s spinners briefly unsettled the middle order, Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101* off 129 balls—his eighth ODI hundred and second consecutive ton in the format.
KL Rahul’s composed 41 not out off 47 balls at no. 6 sealed the deal, guiding India to 231/4 in 46.3 overs with 21 balls to spare. This clinical performance underlined India’s depth and adaptability, boosting their confidence ahead of a high-stakes clash against Pakistan on Sunday (Feb 23). For Bangladesh, Hridoy’s heroics offered hope despite the defeat.
Deservingly, Shubman Gill bagged the Man of the Match for his unbeaten century in this much-needed victory for India upfront in the tournament.
Brief Scores: India - 231/4 in 46.3 overs (Shubman Gill - 101*, Rishad Hossain - 2/38) defeated Bangladesh - 228 all out in 49.4 overs (Towhid Hridoy - 100, Mohammad Shami - 5/53) by a margin of 6 wickets with 21 balls to spare
