Thu Feb 20 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Shami’s Five-For Leads India to Victory Over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Thriller

**Dubai, UAE:** India edged out Bangladesh in a thrilling Champions Trophy opener on Thursday, with Mohammed Shami’s stellar five-wicket haul (5/53) propelling his team to victory. Shami’s performance also saw him surpass Zaheer Khan to become India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC events. Despite a courageous century from Towhid Hridoy (100 runs off 118 balls) and a gutsy 68 from Jakir Ali, Bangladesh managed only 228 runs after a shaky start of 35/5.

Hridoy’s century was built on some luck, however, as he was dropped twice – once by Hardik Pandya and once by KL Rahul, who also missed a stumping opportunity. These were among several fielding lapses by India, highlighted by a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma that denied Axar Patel a hat-trick. The dropped catches and missed stumping frustrated Virat Kohli, as noted by commentator Harsha Bhogle.

Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, reached the milestone of 11,000 ODI runs during the match. Harshit Rana also contributed significantly for India, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs. Despite Bangladesh’s late fightback, fueled by the sixth-wicket partnership between Hridoy and Ali (154 runs), India’s disciplined bowling, especially Shami’s early breakthroughs, proved decisive. The match showcased both exhilarating batting and some frustrating fielding errors, making it a memorable opening encounter in the Champions Trophy.

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