Wed Feb 19 13:19:40 UTC 2025: ## India Begin Champions Trophy Title Defence Against Bangladesh
**Dubai, UAE** – India will kick off their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on Thursday at the Dubai International Stadium. The match marks the second encounter between the two teams in the tournament’s history and their first meeting since their 2023 ODI World Cup clash.
India enters the tournament with mixed form, having suffered a 0-2 series loss to Sri Lanka last year but recently securing a 3-0 sweep against England. Bangladesh, meanwhile, boasts a less impressive recent record, winning only three of their last nine ODIs.
Historically, India dominates the head-to-head record with a 32-8 win advantage over Bangladesh in 41 matches. While India enjoyed a long unbeaten streak, Bangladesh has shown improved competitiveness recently, securing three wins in their last five encounters, including a series victory. Their last meeting saw India triumph by seven wickets in the 2023 World Cup.
The teams previously met in the 2017 Champions Trophy, a match India won convincingly by nine wickets, thanks to impressive performances from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. This year’s match promises a fascinating contest between two Asian rivals with contrasting recent form but a history of close battles.
First Piper 