Fri Feb 21 06:07:35 UTC 2025: ## Rohit Sharma’s Drop Costs Axar Patel Hat-Trick in India’s Dominant Win Over Bangladesh
**Dubai, UAE –** India cruised to a comfortable victory over Bangladesh in their opening Champions Trophy match today, but the match wasn’t without a key moment of frustration. Captain Rohit Sharma dropped a straightforward catch at first slip, denying spinner Axar Patel a maiden ODI hat-trick.
Axar Patel had already dismissed two batsmen in his first over, leaving Bangladesh reeling. With a chance for a hat-trick, three slips were positioned, including Sharma at first slip. However, Sharma inexplicably dropped a thick edge from Jaker Ali, a chance he appeared to have ample time to take. Visibly upset, Sharma reacted by slamming the ground and berating himself.
Despite the dropped catch, India dominated the match from the start. Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana made early inroads with the ball, before Axar continued the pressure, leaving Bangladesh 5 wickets down within the first 10 overs. A gritty partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali prevented a complete collapse, but India ultimately secured a convincing win. The win was even more impressive considering Bangladesh had won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch expected to become increasingly bowler-friendly.
First Piper 