Champions Trophy: India beats Bangladesh by 6 wickets, Shubhman Gill scores century

India kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant six-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on February 20. A resilient 101 from Shubman Gill* and a fiery 5-wicket haul from Mohammed Shami helped India chase down 229 runs in 46.3 overs.

On a slow Dubai pitch, where batting became difficult in the middle overs, Gill displayed patience and class, crafting his fourth consecutive 50+ score in ODIs. His 101 off 129 balls was his slowest ODI century but showcased his adaptability under pressure. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India managed to seal the win with Gill and KL Rahul (41)* steering the team home.

Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami set the tone for India with a sensational spell, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order. He finished with 5 for 53, becoming the fastest bowler in history to reach 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled. Bangladesh was reduced to 35/5 before a fighting 100 from Towhid Hridoy and 68 from Jaker Ali took them to a respectable 228 all out.

Chasing 229, Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) provided a quick start, crossing the 11,000-run milestone in ODIs. However, his aggressive approach led to his dismissal in the 10th over, as he was caught at cover point.

Virat Kohli, who came in at No. 3, struggled on the slow pitch and could only manage 15 off 38 balls before being dismissed by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. His struggle reflected the difficulties of batting on this surface, as he failed to find his timing.

Gill, however, held firm. Facing tough conditions, he waited for loose deliveries and played risk-free cricket. He reached his century in 125 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. KL Rahul provided solid support, finishing unbeaten on 41 off 47 balls, sealing the win with a six.

India’s bowling attack, led by Mohammed Shami, tore through Bangladesh’s top order. Shami struck in the first over, dismissing Soumya Sarkar, and along with Harshit Rana (1/32), he put Bangladesh on the backfoot at 26/3 inside seven overs.

Spinner Axar Patel (2/42) further dented Bangladesh, taking two wickets in his first over, reducing them to 35/5. However, dropped catches by Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya allowed Bangladesh to recover.

Despite the early collapse, Towhid Hridoy (100) and Jaker Ali (68) put together a resilient partnership. Hridoy shifted gears after reaching his fifty, playing aggressive shots against India's spinners. He battled cramps in the heat but reached his maiden ODI century.

Just when Bangladesh looked set to finish strong, Shami returned in the final overs, dismissing Jaker Ali, Tanzim Shakib, and Taskin Ahmed, ensuring India wrapped up the innings at 228.