Thu Feb 20 13:01:29 UTC 2025: ## India Sets Bangladesh a 229-Run Target in Champions Trophy Opener

**Dubai, UAE:** India’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 got underway today with a clash against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a total of 228 runs in 49.4 overs.

Bangladesh’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing two early wickets – Soumya Sarkar (0) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) – within the first two overs. Mohammad Shami was the early destroyer, claiming Sarkar’s wicket in the first over. Further wickets tumbled, with Mehdi Hasan Miraz (5) falling to Shami, and Axar Patel taking two quick wickets in the ninth over to leave Bangladesh reeling at 35/5.

However, a crucial 154-run partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Jakir Ali resurrected the innings. Hridoy went on to score his maiden ODI century (100 runs off 118 balls, including six fours and two sixes), while Jakir Ali contributed a solid 68 runs. Shami, who reached his 200th ODI wicket during the match, eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Jakir Ali. Shami finished with impressive figures of 5/48, while Harshit Rana contributed three wickets and Axar Patel bagged two.

India’s revised playing XI saw the inclusion of Ravindra Jadeja, while Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy were left out. The Indian team will now chase 229 runs for victory. India’s batting line-up features Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammad Shami, and Harshit Rana.

India boasts a strong record in the Champions Trophy, having won 18 out of 29 matches. Their record at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium is also impressive, with five wins and one tie from six matches. This positive statistic will be a boost for the Indian team as they aim to secure their first victory of the tournament.

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