India kick off Champions Trophy with commanding win over Bangladesh

In a commanding performance, India secured a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Several Indian cricketers, including Mohammed Shami, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, made headlines by setting remarkable records as India successfully chased down 229 runs in just 46.3 overs.

Batting first, Bangladesh faced early setbacks, collapsing to 35/5. However, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali staged a remarkable recovery with a 154-run partnership, stabilizing the innings. Jaker, who was given a lifeline after being dropped on 0 by Rohit Sharma, contributed 68 runs, while Towhid showcased his brilliance with a century, propelling Bangladesh to a respectable total.

Shami’s five-wicket brilliance

Pacer Mohammed Shami delivered a sensational bowling performance, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings. With this feat, he became only the second Indian bowler to achieve a five-for in Champions Trophy history. His exceptional performance not only silenced critics questioning his recent form but also made him India’s all-time leading wicket-taker in ICC tournaments.

Rohit’s milestone and Kohli’s struggles

India’s chase began with an impressive 69-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The skipper, who scored 41 runs, reached a significant milestone by completing 11,000 runs in ODI cricket. Batting at number three, Virat Kohli once again found himself struggling against leg-spinners. The star batter was dismissed by a leg-spinner for the fifth time since 2024, managing only 22 runs. Despite his dismissal, he became the second-highest run-scorer in ICC ODI tournaments.

Gill’s match-winning century

Shubman Gill stole the show with a magnificent unbeaten 101, guiding India to a comfortable win. KL Rahul also provided steady support, remaining unbeaten on 41*. Gill’s stellar performance earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

Looking ahead, Team India will face arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23 at the same venue, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.