A brilliant century by Shubman Gill and a five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami propelled India to a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at Dubai on Thursday.
Chasing a target of 229 runs, India got off to a 69-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit’s quickfire 41 off 36 balls ended with a mistimed shot caught by Rishad Hossain off Taskin Ahmed. India’s momentum slowed as they lost Virat Kohli (22), Shreyas Iyer (15), and Axar Patel (8), slipping to 144/4 in 30.1 overs.
However, Gill held firm at one end, notching up his eighth ODI century off 125 balls, with nine fours and two sixes. KL Rahul provided steady support with an unbeaten 41 off 47 balls, sealing the chase with a six as India finished at 231/4 in 46.3 overs.
Earlier, Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat, collapsed to 35/5 under the pressure of Shami’s fiery spell and disciplined bowling from Harshit Rana and Axar Patel. A remarkable 154-run partnership between Towhid Hridoy (100) and Jaker Ali (68) rescued Bangladesh, helping them post a fighting total of 228.
Mohammed Shami was India’s bowling star, claiming 5/53, reaching his 200th ODI wicket during the innings. Harshit Rana chipped in with 3/31, while Axar Patel grabbed 2/43.
Towhid Hridoy registered his maiden ODI century (100 off 117 balls), but wickets at the death prevented Bangladesh from posting a bigger score.
With this win, India starts their ICC Champions Trophy campaign on a high note, while Bangladesh will look to bounce back in their next fixture.