India commenced its journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy with a resounding victory over Bangladesh in an electrifying match held at the Dubai International Stadium. The team chased down a target of 229 runs, defeating their opponents by 6 wickets. The match showcased thrilling performances, particularly from young star Shubman Gill, who scored an unbeaten century, and ace pacer Mohammad Shami, who claimed five wickets, ensuring India’s victory in their tournament opener. This win not only set a positive tone for India but also spotlighted the emerging talents in the squad.
Shami’s Five-Wicket Haul and Resilient Partnership
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first, a decision that ultimately backfired. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto had good reason to want to bat—anticipating no dew conditions for the spinners to dominate. However, the strategy quickly unraveled as Bangladesh lost two wickets early on. By the ninth over, they found themselves struggling at only 35 runs with five wickets down, courtesy of Shami’s exceptional bowling performance.
Critical Contributions from Zakir and Tawhid
Despite the early setbacks, Bangladesh’s Zakir Ali (68) and Tawhid Hridoy (100) formed a formidable partnership that salvaged their innings. The duo added a remarkable 154 runs for the sixth wicket, bringing Bangladesh back into contention. Notably, Tawhid was saved from dismissal when Hardik Pandya dropped a catch when he was only on 23 runs. Their collaboration was essential in stabilizing the innings, but Zakir fell to Shami, marking the pacer’s 200th ODI wicket. Tawhid’s century, his maiden in ODIs, was a memorable highlight amid the team’s struggles, but Shami’s relentless bowling ensured Bangladesh was restricted to 228 runs.
Chasing the Target: Rohit’s Quick Start and Gill’s Stellar Performance
India faced early challenges in their chase, but captain Rohit Sharma’s aggressive intent shifted momentum in their favor. Rohit’s quick-fire 41 runs laid the foundation for the chase but his dismissal brought about a slow phase for India. Between overs, they struggled to find boundaries, with only a few runs coming off the bat while key players like Virat Kohli (22) succumbed to pressure against the spinners.
Glimpse of Brilliance: Gill’s Century and Rahul’s Finish
Shubman Gill, however, held the fort firmly, not allowing the early wickets to deter his confidence. Despite losing crucial wickets, including that of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel, Gill remained unfazed. At one point, India found itself precariously placed at 144 for four by the 31st over. The catch dropped by Zakir Ali, which could have dismissed KL Rahul early on, turned pivotal. Instead, Rahul and Gill combined forces, establishing a crucial 87-run partnership that propelled India towards victory.
Victory Secured: Rahul’s Winning Six
In a dramatic finale, it was Rahul who sealed the game with a six, finishing on a valuable 41 not out, while Gill’s masterclass concluded with a remarkable century. Having scored a century against England in the previous ODI, Gill’s consistent run of form has made him a crucial player for India. This match not only reinforced India’s strength in depth but also highlighted the promise of its young talent on an international stage, as they aim to clinch the coveted Champions Trophy title.