Chasing a modest target of 229, India comfortably reached the target with 21 balls to spare, losing four wickets in the process
20 February, 2025
PHOTO: AP
Shubman Gill’s brilliant century and Mohammed Shami's exceptional five-wicket haul helped India secure a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh in the second match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 229, India comfortably reached the target with 21 balls to spare, losing four wickets in the process.
India got off to a solid start in their chase, with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting together a 69-run partnership. However, Sharma was dismissed just before the end of the batting powerplay for 41 runs off 36 balls, including seven boundaries.
Gill then formed a 43-run stand with Virat Kohli, who made 22 runs off 38 balls. India’s chase faltered briefly as they lost two quick wickets, leaving them at 144/4 in 30.1 overs. Following this collapse, wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul joined Gill, and the two formed an unbeaten 87-run partnership to guide India to victory.
Gill top-scored for India with 101 runs off 129 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, while Rahul supported with 41 runs from 47 balls.
For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain was the best bowler, taking two wickets, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman claimed one wicket each.
Earlier, Bangladesh, who won the toss and chose to bat, found themselves in trouble as Indian bowlers tore through their top order. Bangladesh were reduced to 35/5 in just 8.3 overs. From that point, Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy steadied the ship, with both batsmen playing carefully and counterattacking with regular boundaries.
Jaker and Hridoy built a vital 154-run partnership, but Mohammed Shami ended the threatening stand by dismissing Jaker in the 43rd over. Jaker made 68 runs off 114 balls, including four boundaries.
Following Jaker’s dismissal, Bangladesh's lower order collapsed briefly, but Hridoy continued to fight. Despite cramps, Hridoy battled on and scored a valiant century, remaining unbeaten as the top scorer for Bangladesh with 100 runs off 118 balls, including six fours and two sixes.
Shami was the standout bowler for India, taking 5 wickets for 53 runs in his 10 overs. Harshit Rana was also impressive, taking three wickets, while Axar Patel claimed two wickets.
India's win keeps them on track in the tournament, while Bangladesh will need to regroup for their next match.
