Thu Feb 20 18:52:21 UTC 2025: ## Gill’s Century Anchors India to Victory Over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener
**Dubai, UAE:** Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century (101 off 129 balls) steered India to a hard-fought victory over Bangladesh in their opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy. Chasing a modest 229 on a sluggish Dubai pitch, India initially struggled after losing Rohit Sharma (41 off 36 balls) early. However, Gill displayed remarkable composure, curbing his natural attacking instincts to anchor the chase. He formed an unbeaten 87-run partnership with KL Rahul (41* off 47 balls), who smashed the winning six. Gill’s knock marked his second consecutive ODI century, following scores of 87, 60, 112, and now 101*.
Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat, suffered a disastrous start, losing five wickets within the first nine overs thanks to a superb five-wicket haul (5/53) by Mohammed Shami. Shami’s performance, making him the second-fastest bowler to 200 ODI wickets, was a crucial turning point in the match. However, a record 154-run sixth-wicket stand between Towhid Hridoy (100 off 118 balls) – who scored his maiden ODI century – and Jaker Ali (68 off 114 balls) resurrected Bangladesh’s innings. This partnership was aided 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 India’s chase wasn’t entirely smooth, Gill’s mature batting and Rahul’s late flourish ensured a comfortable victory, leaving India with a positive start to their Champions Trophy campaign. The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with India capitalizing on Bangladesh’s early collapse and then navigating a challenging chase with consummate skill. Gill was deservedly named Player of the Match.
First Piper 