Thu Feb 20 18:51:50 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Shatters 19-Year-Old Champions Trophy Record

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Bangladesh’s Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy etched their names in Champions Trophy history on Thursday, February 20th, smashing a 19-year-old record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership. Their 154-run stand against India in the tournament opener surpassed the previous record of 131 runs set by South Africa’s Mark Boucher and Justin Kemp in 2006.

Bangladesh, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, suffered an early collapse, losing half their side within the first 10 overs thanks to incisive bowling from India’s Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana. Axar Patel also claimed two quick wickets, but a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma allowed Jaker Ali to survive. This proved crucial as Ali and Hridoy launched a remarkable recovery.

Ali contributed a solid 68, while Hridoy went on to score a century, becoming only the ninth player to achieve this feat on their Champions Trophy debut. Their partnership not only rescued Bangladesh from a precarious position but also rewritten the record books.

“We would like to bat first. Looks a good wicket so we want to put runs on the board,” Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated before the match. India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, conversely, revealed he would have chosen to field first.

The thrilling match showcased a stunning turnaround for Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of crucial partnerships in high-pressure situations. The victory serves as an early statement of intent from the Bangla Tigers in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

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