India kicked off their 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, powered by Mohammed Shami’s sensational five-wicket haul and a composed century from Shubman Gill. Despite a resilient maiden ODI hundred from Towhid Hridoy, Bangladesh’s total wasn’t enough to challenge India, who navigated a mid-innings stutter before sealing the win comfortably.

Shami, Harshit Rana Rock Bangladesh Early

Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble right at the start, losing two wickets in as many overs as Shami and Harshit Rana struck early. Axar Patel compounded their woes by removing Tanzim Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim off consecutive deliveries. Rohit Sharma then dropped a chance that could have given Axar a hat-trick, but by then, Bangladesh had already lost half their side for just 35 runs.

Hridoy and Jaker Revive Bangladesh

With their top order crumbling, Bangladesh relied on a crucial 154-run partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali to keep them in the game. Playing cautiously, they focused on building a foundation while India’s spinners kept a tight leash on scoring. Their patience paid off as they reached their respective half-centuries, with Hridoy accelerating later with a few timely boundaries.

As the innings progressed, Bangladesh crossed the 200-run mark, but Shami’s return to the attack broke the stand by dismissing Jaker. Rishad Hossain’s quick cameo helped push the total further, though Hridoy’s cramps affected his momentum. He did manage to notch up a century before Shami wrapped up the innings with a brilliant five-wicket haul, restricting Bangladesh to 228 in 49.4 overs.

Rohit and Gill Set the Tone for India

India’s chase began aggressively, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill making full use of the powerplay. Rohit dominated early, smashing Mustafizur Rahman for multiple boundaries and reaching a personal milestone of 11,000 ODI runs. He also launched Tanzim Hasan for a six before Taskin Ahmed finally dismissed him, ending India’s opening stand at 65.

Middle-Order Wobble, but Gill Holds Firm

Following Rohit’s departure, Bangladesh’s spinners found assistance from the pitch and slowed India’s scoring rate. Virat Kohli fell to a leg-spinner once again, while Shreyas Iyer’s mistimed shot provided relief to Mustafizur, who had been expensive. Axar Patel, promoted up the order, couldn’t capitalize as he misread a googly and was dismissed, leaving India needing 85 runs with a slightly vulnerable middle order.

However, Gill and KL Rahul steadied the innings, playing cautiously to absorb pressure. Bangladesh missed a crucial chance when Jaker Ali dropped Rahul at a vital juncture, a mistake that proved costly. Rahul took advantage by launching Rishad Hossain for a massive six, shifting the momentum back in India’s favor.

Gill’s Gritty Century Seals the Win

As the target neared, Gill reached his slowest yet most significant ODI hundred, showcasing patience and determination. A stunning pickup shot over deep midwicket brought him into the 90s before he completed his century in a composed manner. Rahul then wrapped up the chase in style with a six, guiding India to 231/4 in 46.3 overs and ensuring a smooth start to their Champions Trophy campaign.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh: 228 in 49.4 overs (Towhid Hridoy 100, Jaker Ali 68; Mohammed Shami 5/53, Harshit Rana 3/31)
India: 231/4 in 46.3 overs (Shubman Gill 101*, KL Rahul 41*; Rishad Hossain 2/38)
India won by six wickets.