Champions Trophy 2025: India Defeat Bangladesh by 6 Wickets

Dubai – Team India made a winning start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, defeating Bangladesh by 6 wickets in their opening match in Dubai. With this victory, India climbed to the top two positions in Group A, delivering a dominant performance led by Mohammed Shami’s lethal bowling and Shubman Gill’s century. Rohit Sharma also provided a blistering start, setting the tone for a successful chase.

Bangladesh’s Struggle and Fightback

Bangladesh captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the team faced an early collapse, losing five wickets for just 35 runs. At one stage, it seemed difficult for Bangladesh to even cross 125 runs, but a resilient 154-run partnership between Zakir Ali and Towhid Hridoy revived their innings. Zakir Ali was dismissed after scoring 68 runs, while Towhid Hridoy fought back with a brilliant century, helping Bangladesh reach a competitive total.

Eventually, Bangladesh posted 228 runs, losing all wickets in 49.4 overs. Mohammed Shami was the standout performer for India, claiming five wickets, while Harshit Rana took three wickets, and Axar Patel contributed with two crucial breakthroughs in a single over.

India’s Commanding Chase

Chasing 229 runs, India got off to a flying start with captain Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit played an attacking 41-run knock off 36 balls, taking India close to 70 runs before his dismissal. Following his departure, Virat Kohli partnered with Gill, scoring 22 runs before getting out.

Meanwhile, Gill remained solid at one end, adding key partnerships with Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8). However, it was his stand with KL Rahul that sealed the match for India. Gill reached his century in 125 balls, while Rahul provided crucial support, ensuring a composed finish. A dropped catch by Zakir Ali off Rahul’s bat proved costly for Bangladesh.

India successfully chased the target in 46.3 overs, losing four wickets in the process. With this victory, they secured the second position in Group A, making an emphatic statement in the tournament.