Thu Feb 20 19:19:04 UTC 2025: ## India Cruises to Victory Over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener

**Dubai, UAE** – Shubman Gill’s magnificent century and a five-wicket haul by Mohammed Shami powered India to a convincing six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group A opener on Thursday.

Chasing a modest 229-run target, Gill remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 129 balls, anchoring India’s chase and securing his seventh ODI century. His innings, punctuated by nine boundaries and two sixes, formed the backbone of a successful partnership with KL Rahul (41*), who guided India to victory with over three overs to spare. Earlier, Rohit Sharma contributed a quick-fire 41 before reaching the milestone of 11,000 ODI runs.

Shami was the star with the ball, delivering a devastating spell of 5/53 in 10 overs. His performance not only secured him the highest wicket-taker title in 50-over ICC events for India, surpassing Zaheer Khan’s record, but also made him the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets. Bangladesh’s innings was punctuated by a resilient 154-run partnership between Towhid Hridoy (100) and Jaker Ali (68), but Shami ultimately broke the stand and steered India to victory.

Bangladesh, electing to bat first, struggled early on, collapsing to 35/5 within the first nine overs. While Hridoy’s century kept them in the contest, Shami’s exceptional bowling proved too much to overcome.

India’s next match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the same venue. The win puts India second in Group A, behind New Zealand.

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