Thu Feb 20 15:10:00 UTC 2025: ## India Triumphs Over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener
**Dubai, UAE – February 20, 2025** – India made a winning start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a resounding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. Mohammad Shami’s five-wicket haul and Shubman Gill’s magnificent century spearheaded India’s triumph.
Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat, suffered a disastrous start, losing five wickets for just 35 runs. However, a stunning century by Towhid Hridoy (100) and a half-century by Zakir Ali (68), including a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket – the highest ever for this wicket against India – steered Bangladesh to a total of 228. This partnership rescued Bangladesh from the brink of collapse.
Shami, who took 5 wickets for 53 runs, achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. His five-wicket haul was his sixth in ODIs, five of which have come in ICC tournaments. India’s bowling attack was further bolstered by Harsit Rana (3 wickets) and Axar Patel (2 wickets).
In response, India chased down the target with relative ease, reaching 230 for 4 in 46.3 overs. Gill’s match-winning century (101 runs off 129 balls, including nine fours and two sixes) was instrumental in the victory. He received valuable support from Rohit Sharma (41), Virat Kohli (22), Shreyas Iyer (15), Axar Patel (8), and KL Rahul (41*).
The win puts India one step closer to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams, showcasing India’s dominance with both bat and ball.
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