Thu Feb 20 13:26:32 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Posts 229-Run Target Against India in Champions Trophy Clash
**Dubai, UAE:** Bangladesh set India a challenging 229-run target in their Champions Trophy clash in Dubai on Thursday. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh struggled early, losing five wickets for just 36 runs. However, a stunning century by Towhid Hridoy (100 off 118 balls) and a crucial 68 from Zakir Ali steered them to a respectable 228/9 in 49.4 overs. Hridoy’s innings was particularly impressive, rescuing the innings after a disastrous start. Mohammed Shami was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming five wickets, while Harshit Rana and Axar Patel chipped in with three and two wickets respectively. Four Bangladesh batsmen failed to open their accounts.
India’s chase got off to a steady start, reaching 11/0 after three overs, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the crease. The match is ongoing.
Earlier, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the tournament opener on Wednesday. The India-Bangladesh match, however, faces a potential weather disruption with a 55% chance of rain forecast for February 20th.
The match marks the 41st ODI encounter between the two nations, with India holding a dominant 32-8 win record. India’s top ODI scorer this year, Shubman Gill (259 runs in 3 matches), and their leading wicket-taker, Harshit Rana (6 wickets in 3 matches), will be key players to watch. For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah (337 runs in 9 matches) and Taskin Ahmed (14 wickets in 7 matches) are their leading run-scorer and wicket-taker respectively this year. The pitch in Dubai is expected to be slightly quicker than usual, potentially favoring spinners.
First Piper 