Dubai, October 12, 2025 – In a thrilling opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India clinched a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, thanks to a masterful unbeaten century by Shubman Gill and a fiery five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami. The match, played at the Dubai International Stadium, showcased a blend of resilience and dominance as India chased down Bangladesh’s total of 228 with ease.
India’s Chase: Gill Shines, Rahul Provides Support
Chasing a modest target of 229, India got off to a solid start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill stitching together a 69-run partnership. Rohit, the Indian captain, looked in fine touch, smashing seven boundaries in his 41-run knock before falling to Taskin Ahmed in the 12th over. Virat Kohli, who walked in next, struggled against Bangladesh’s spinners and was dismissed for 22, leaving India at 111/2.
Despite losing Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8) in quick succession, Gill held the innings together with composure and flair. The young prodigy notched up his fourth consecutive fifty-plus score in ODIs and then accelerated to bring up his eighth ODI century off 125 deliveries. His unbeaten 101, laced with nine fours and two sixes, was the cornerstone of India’s chase.
KL Rahul provided excellent support at the other end, scoring an unbeaten 41, including the winning six in the 45th over. The duo’s unbroken 87-run partnership ensured India reached the target comfortably, finishing at 231/4 in 44.5 overs.
Bangladesh’s Innings: Hridoy’s Heroics in Vain
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s innings was a tale of two halves. After being reduced to 35/5 in the first 10 overs, courtesy of a devastating spell by Mohammed Shami, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali staged a remarkable recovery. The pair added 154 runs for the sixth wicket, with Hridoy scoring a magnificent maiden ODI century (100 off 112 balls) and Jaker contributing a vital 68.
Hridoy’s innings was a mix of grit and elegance, as he anchored the innings and helped Bangladesh post a respectable 228. However, once the partnership was broken, Bangladesh’s lower order failed to capitalize, with Shami returning to clean up the tail and finish with figures of 5/53. Harshit Rana (3/31) and Axar Patel (2/43) provided excellent support, ensuring Bangladesh’s total remained within reach.
Key Performances
- Shubman Gill: 101* (125 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes) – Player of the Match
- Mohammed Shami: 5/53 – A match-defining spell
- Towhid Hridoy: 100 (112 balls) – A valiant century in a losing cause
- KL Rahul: 41* (54 balls) – A composed finish to the chase
Post-Match Reactions
Indian captain Rohit Sharma praised Gill’s maturity and Shami’s brilliance. “Shubman has been in phenomenal form, and today he showed why he’s one of the best in the world. Shami’s spell was crucial in restricting Bangladesh to a manageable total,” he said.
Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan rued the early collapse but lauded Hridoy and Jaker for their fightback. “We lost too many wickets early, but Towhid and Jaker showed great character. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough against a strong Indian side,” he said.
What’s Next?
India will look to carry the momentum into their next game against New Zealand, while Bangladesh will aim to bounce back against Australia. With the tournament heating up, cricket fans can expect more thrilling encounters in the days to come.
