
February 20, Dubai International Stadium: India kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Bangladesh, with Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami playing pivotal roles in the win. In a match that witnessed thrilling individual performances, India successfully chased down Bangladesh’s total of 228 runs in Dubai on Thursday.
Bangladesh’s batting efforts were led by Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy. Ali scored a steady half-century, while Hridoy’s maiden international century (101) helped Bangladesh recover from a dismal 35/5. Despite the solid recovery, they were eventually bowled out for 228. Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler for India, claiming figures of 5/53, including his 200th ODI wicket, leading India’s bowling charge.
In response, India faced an early setback as Rohit Sharma was dismissed quickly. However, Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a brilliant unbeaten knock of 101, his second consecutive century in ODIs and his eighth overall in the format. His knock proved to be the difference, as he shared crucial partnerships with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to ensure India’s comfortable progress towards victory.

The chase began with some brisk scoring, but the departure of Rohit Sharma slowed things down temporarily. Gill, however, remained calm, rotating the strike efficiently and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The presence of veteran Virat Kohli at the other end helped stabilize the innings. The duo put on a partnership that took India closer to the target. When Kohli was dismissed, KL Rahul entered the fray and helped accelerate the chase, including hitting a match-finishing six.
Gill’s performance was particularly impressive, as he played with a calm head under pressure. “It was definitely one of my most satisfying innings. When Rohit bhai and I went out there, we decided not to cut the ball, and I started using my feet against the fast bowlers. The first shot gave me confidence, and the second helped me get closer to the hundred,” Gill said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Earlier, Shami’s 5-wicket haul was the key for India as he tore through Bangladesh’s middle and lower order. Bangladesh, who had been struggling at 35/5, managed to recover thanks to Hridoy’s resilience, but Shami’s clinical bowling kept them in check.
As the match drew to a close, India needed just 29 runs from 46 balls, and the ever-consistent KL Rahul sealed the win with a six, finishing with 50 not out. This win marked a perfect start to India’s campaign, with both their batting and bowling departments performing at their best.
With a solid all-around effort, India has sent a clear message to the rest of the teams in the tournament, as they look to defend their title in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
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