Shami with the Ball, Gill with the Bat: India Starts Champions Trophy with a Convincing Win

India made a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. Pacer Mohammed Shami delivered an outstanding bowling performance, while young batter Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a century.

In the match held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh, after opting to bat first, posted a respectable total of 228 runs, thanks to a century from Towhid Hridoy. In response, India chased down the target comfortably, reaching 229/4 in 46.3 overs.

Captain Rohit Sharma provided a quick start, scoring 41 runs off 36 balls with seven boundaries. Shubman Gill, who was named ‘Player of the Match,’ remained unbeaten on 101 off 129 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. Virat Kohli managed only 22 runs, while Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8) contributed briefly. KL Rahul played a steady knock, scoring 41 runs to guide India to victory. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain took two wickets.

Earlier, Bangladesh struggled against India’s pace attack, particularly against Mohammed Shami. They found themselves in deep trouble at 35/5 before a remarkable comeback, led by Towhid Hridoy’s fighting century. Hridoy scored exactly 100 off 118 balls, including six fours and two sixes, before being caught off Harshit Rana’s delivery, handing the catch to Shami. Zakir Ali also played a crucial knock, scoring 68 runs, helping Bangladesh reach a competitive total.

Despite the revival, Bangladesh’s batting woes were evident, with four players getting out for a duck and two others failing to reach double digits. The team was bowled out for 228 with two balls remaining. Mohammed Shami was the standout bowler, claiming five wickets, while Harshit Rana took three and Axar Patel picked up two.

As the tournament progresses, today's Group B fixture will feature Afghanistan taking on South Africa in Karachi.