Thu Feb 20 12:12:09 UTC 2025: ## Shami’s Speed Sets the Pace as India Begins Champions Trophy Campaign
**Dubai, UAE –** Mohammed Shami became the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets today, propelling India to a strong start in their ICC Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh. Shami’s impressive performance, which included three wickets in the match, overshadowed a resilient batting effort from Bangladesh.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first. However, India’s bowling attack, featuring the returning Shami and Ravindra Jadeja, quickly put the brakes on Bangladesh’s innings. Shami struck early, dismissing both openers, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Soumya Sarkar, without scoring. Axar Patel followed suit, claiming two quick wickets, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 26-3.
Jaker Ali (68) and Towhid Hridoy (50*) provided a much-needed counterattack, forming a crucial 142-run partnership and bringing Bangladesh past the 200-run mark. Despite their efforts, Shami’s relentless pace and accurate bowling proved too much to overcome. Bangladesh eventually finished their innings, setting a total for India to chase.
The match marked not only Shami’s milestone but also India’s strategic changes, bringing in Shami and Jadeja, replacing Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy from their previous ODI. Bangladesh also made a notable change, opting for Tanzim Hasan over Nahid Rana in their pace attack. The match continues.
First Piper 