In the second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets at the Dubai International Stadium.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, which originally appeared to be the right decision. However, they were only bundled out for 228 runs; thus they were unable to completely profit on it. At one point, Bangladesh were battling at 35/5, and reaching 228 would have been a relief considering the circumstances. Mohammad Shami and Harshit Rana plagued the Bangladeshi batters during the powerplay, while Axar Patel wreaked havoc in the middle overs.
It wasn’t an easy chase, but captain Rohit Sharma‘s explosive start (41) created the groundwork and made the task easier for the subsequent batters. He appeared to be on track for another huge knock, and if he had batted longer, the match could have been over much sooner. However, he was dismissed in the last over of the powerplay. At the other end, Shubman Gill (101*) started his innings slowly but steadily built his knock, eventually smashing a well-earned century. The pitch, which was slowing down with time, necessitated a lengthy stay by a batter at the crease to complete the chase. Virat Kohli (22) and Shreyas Iyer (15) scored important runs, while KL Rahul (41*) remained with Gill till the end to lead India to a comfortable victory.
Tanzid Hasan (25) got the start for Bangladesh but was unable to bat for long. The team lost five wickets during the powerplay and had to rebuild their innings. Jaker Ali (68) and Towhid Hridoy (100) stood tall, stitching 154 runs together to assist the team reach a respectable total. Hridoy looked prompt in his innings, hitting six fours and two sixes, but he was fighting with cramps towards the finish, which slowed the scoreboard. As a result, the unit only scored 228/10 runs in 49.4 overs.
Shami and the ICC, a love story that continues to blossom, as he once again displayed his top form by picking up a fifer. Axar also bagged two wickets and was all set to get his hat trick but unfortunately, skipper Rohit dropped a sitter at slip. Playing his first ICC game, Rana also got three wickets.
For Bangladesh with the ball, Rishad Hossain took two wickets, whereas one wicket each was grabbed by Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.
Shubman Gill was adjudged Player of the Match for his much-needed century. With this win, India have obtained two points and will be confident ahead of their game against Pakistan.
Shubman Gill's resilient century steered India to victory against Bangladesh 💯
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2025
He wins the @aramco POTM Award 🎖️ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/2bGz5SPvdC
Scorecard:
Bangladesh: 228/10, Overs 49.4, Towhid Hridoy 100, Mohammad Shami 5/53
India: 231/4, Overs 46.3, Shubman Gill 101*, Rishad Hossain 2/38