India’s Strong Start in ICC Champions Trophy

India began their ICC Champions Trophy campaign in style with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai. Shubman Gill’s unbeaten century (101* off 129 balls) was the cornerstone of the chase, guiding India to a modest target of 229 with 3.3 overs to spare. Earlier, Mohammed Shami’s exceptional bowling performance (5-53) dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, reducing them to 35-5 in the first nine overs.

Gill’s Masterful Knock

Gill’s innings was a blend of elegance and composure. After a brisk start by Rohit Sharma (41 off 36 balls), Gill took charge, ensuring India remained in control throughout the chase. His eighth ODI century was particularly significant as it came in his first appearance in an ICC tournament. Despite a few hiccups in the middle overs, Gill’s resilience and class shone through, sealing the win with KL Rahul’s six.

Shami’s Record-Breaking Spell

Mohammed Shami was the architect of India’s dominance with the ball. His early strikes, including two wickets in the powerplay, set the tone for the innings. Shami’s five-wicket haul marked his sixth in ODIs, and he also became the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations continues to make him a vital asset for India.

Bangladesh’s Fightback

After collapsing to 35-5, Bangladesh showed grit through a 154-run partnership between Tawhid Hridoy (100 off 118) and Jaker Ali (68 off 114). The duo’s resilience helped Bangladesh post a respectable total of 228. However, it wasn’t enough to challenge India’s deep batting lineup.

Key Moments and Stats

• Shami’s Milestone: Fastest Indian to 200 ODI wickets.
• Gill’s Century: Eighth ODI ton, first in ICC events.
• Partnership: Hridoy and Jaker’s 154-run stand was the highest for Bangladesh.

Looking Ahead

India’s convincing win reaffirms their status as tournament favorites. Their next match against Pakistan promises to be a thrilling encounter. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will look to regroup against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.