India Defeats Bangladesh in Champions Trophy Opener: Shami’s Five-Wicket Haul & Gill’s Unbeaten Century Shine

Mohammed Shami claimed a five-wicket haul before Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century propelled India to a commanding victory over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener in Dubai on Thursday. Chasing a target of 228, India secured a six-wicket win with 21 balls remaining. Gill anchored the innings with an unbeaten 101 off 129 deliveries, while captain Rohit Sharma contributed 41. KL Rahul remained not out on 41, supporting Gill in easing India to the finish line. Virat Kohli, needing 15 runs to reach 14,000 ODI runs, was dismissed for 22, whereas Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8) couldn’t build on India’s solid start.

Earlier, Shami addressed the pressing concerns about India’s pace attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, finishing with figures of 5/53. In doing so, he surpassed Zaheer Khan’s record of 59 wickets in ICC tournaments, taking his tally to 60. Bangladesh, reeling at 2/2 and later 35/5, were rescued by Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant 100 and Jaker Ali’s 68, as the duo forged a crucial 154-run sixth-wicket stand to post a respectable 228. Harshit Rana, preferred over Arshdeep Singh, impressed with 3/31, while Axar Patel grabbed two wickets in quick succession. Axar was unfortunate to miss a hat-trick opportunity when Rohit Sharma dropped a catch in the slips off Jaker Ali’s edge.

Meanwhile, New Zealand began the tournament with a 60-run triumph over Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday, with Tom Latham and Will Young scoring centuries.

Despite Pakistan being the primary host of the 50-over competition, India’s matches are being held in Dubai following the BCCI’s decision not to send its team to Pakistan due to diplomatic tensions.

Brief Scores:
Bangladesh: 228 in 49.4 overs (Towhid Hridoy 100, Jaker Ali 68, Tanzid Hasan 25; Mohammed Shami 5/53, Harshit Rana 3/31, Axar Patel 2/43)
India: 231/4 in 46.3 overs (Shubman Gill 101*; KL Rahul 41*, Rohit Sharma 41; Rishad Hossain 2/38)