Thu Feb 20 18:26:52 UTC 2025: ## India Cruise to Victory Over Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener
**Dubai, UAE –** India launched their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a comfortable six-wicket win over Bangladesh in a thrilling encounter at Dubai on Thursday. Mohammed Shami spearheaded India’s victory, claiming a record-breaking 5 for 53, dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup which had been reduced to a precarious 35 for 5 at one stage.
Despite the early collapse, Bangladesh mounted a spirited fightback thanks to a century by Towhid Hridoy (100) and a valuable 68 by Jaker Ali, eventually posting a challenging 228. However, India’s chase was anchored by an unbeaten century from Shubman Gill (101), who steered his team to victory alongside a solid start from captain Rohit Sharma (41).
Shami’s exceptional bowling performance not only secured the win for India but also etched his name in the record books. Gill’s impressive century showcased his growing stature as a key player in the Indian batting line-up.
India’s next match is against arch-rivals Pakistan on February 23rd in Dubai, while Bangladesh will face New Zealand in Rawalpindi on February 24th.
First Piper 