Dubai: Towhid Hridoy’s resilient century went in vain as Bangladesh tasted a six-wicket defeat to India in their ICC Champions Trophy opening game at Dubai International Cricket Stadium today. Bangladesh posted a total of 228 before being all out in 49.4 overs, with Hridoy helping them recover from a precarious position of 35-5. However, India’s opener Shubman Gill responded to Hridoy’s ton with a composed 101 not out, leading his team to victory in 46.3 overs, reaching a total of 231-4.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma contributed significantly with a 36-ball 41, while KL Rahul remained not out on 41, aiding Gill in securing the victory. Jaker Ali Anik played a crucial role for Bangladesh, scoring 68 and adding a partnership of 154 runs with Hridoy after Bangladesh’s top order crumbled under the bowling attack of Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel.
Shami delivered impressive figures of 5-53, making breakthroughs early on by dismissing Soumya Sarkar for a duck. He also took the wicket of Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while his new ball partner Harshit Rana, who finished with 3-31, removed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for a two-ball duck. Axar Patel chipped in with a double strike, removing Tanzid Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim in consecutive deliveries. Tanzid managed a run-a-ball 25, the only top-order batter to reach double digits.
Jaker Ali Anik capitalized on an early dropped catch by Rohit Sharma, playing a precise innings alongside Hridoy, propelling Bangladesh past 200. However, Shami’s return to the attack ended their partnership, claiming Jaker’s wicket after a solid 114-ball knock.
Despite Hridoy’s century, completed off 114 balls, Bangladesh’s innings ended at 228 when Harshit Rana dismissed Hridoy in the last over. India’s chase, though challenged by the wicket’s nature, was eased by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s innings, maintaining a run rate of seven per over. Taskin Ahmed managed to dismiss Rohit, but India was already in a strong position.
Legspinner Rishad Hossain posed a challenge for India, taking out Virat Kohli and Axar Patel, finishing with figures of 2-38. Although Mustafizur Rahman removed Shreyas Iyer, Gill and Rahul secured the win with an 87-run stand, Gill finishing unbeaten on 101.
Bangladesh will face New Zealand in their next game, while India will meet Pakistan at Rawalpindi.