Thu Feb 20 12:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Dominate Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener

**Dubai, UAE:** India made a commanding start to their Champions Trophy campaign, defeating Bangladesh by a comfortable margin in their Group A opener at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Mohammed Shami spearheaded India’s victory, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/53) and becoming the second-fastest bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. His performance overshadowed a remarkable century by Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy (100 off 118 balls), who, along with Jaker Ali (68 off 114 balls), staged a valiant rearguard action after Bangladesh suffered a catastrophic top-order collapse.

Bangladesh, electing to bat first, were reduced to 35/5 in the ninth over, thanks to early strikes from Shami and Harshit Rana. However, Hridoy and Ali forged a record 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, defying the Indian bowling attack and rescuing Bangladesh from an almost certain humiliation. Their stand was punctuated by several dropped catches by the Indian fielders, including a missed hat-trick chance for Axar Patel. Despite the late fightback, Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 228.

While Hridoy’s century provided a highlight for Bangladesh, India’s dominance was evident throughout the match. Their bowling attack, expertly led by Shami, consistently put pressure on the Bangladeshi batsmen. India’s batting prowess, showcased in their recent 3-0 whitewash of England, was not fully on display in this match, although the team’s overall performance left them well-placed to progress through the tournament. The match also saw Virat Kohli reach a milestone, taking his 156th ODI catch, drawing level with Mohammed Azharuddin for most catches by an Indian in ODIs.

Despite the comfortable victory, India will be aware of the need to tighten up their fielding. The dropped catches allowed Bangladesh to post a more competitive total than might otherwise have been the case. Nevertheless, India’s all-round strength, especially their spin bowling combination of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja, makes them strong favorites to win the Champions Trophy.

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