Thu Feb 20 15:32:50 UTC 2025: ## India’s Champions Trophy Campaign Begins with Thrilling Chase
**Dubai, UAE:** India’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got off to a dramatic start today, as they chased down a challenging 229-run target set by Bangladesh. Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first, but a strong bowling performance by India, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, restricted them to 228/9 in 48.4 overs. Shami’s outstanding performance saw him become the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets, achieving the milestone in his 104th match. He took three wickets in this match alone.
Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by Towhid Hridoy’s maiden ODI century (100 runs off 114 balls), and a crucial 142-run partnership between Jaker Ali (68 runs) and Hridoy. However, India’s disciplined bowling, featuring early wickets by Axar Patel and Shami, kept Bangladesh in check.
India’s chase began with a brisk start by openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Sharma, in his 261st ODI innings, reached 11,000 ODI runs, becoming the second fastest to achieve this feat after Virat Kohli. However, India suffered a quick collapse losing four wickets in succession after Sharma was dismissed for 41. Despite the setback, India managed to secure a victory, though the details of their final score aren’t provided in the text. The match highlighted both the exciting batting of Hridoy and the impressive bowling prowess of Shami, setting the stage for a captivating Champions Trophy tournament.
First Piper 