India began its campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in style. India beats Bangladesh in a comprehensive six-wicket victory, as they won the match chasing down the target of 229 runs with 21 balls remaining. The star of the match, Shubman Gill, sustained any possible challenge to the chase in the face of severe early loss of wickets by the Indians, preceding his fighting century off 125 balls interpreting why he is the World No. 1 in the ODIs.
India’s chase was underway with a little bit of pressure as the team lost Kohli (22 off 38), Rohit Sharma (41 off 36), Shreyas Iyer (15), and Axar Patel (8), putting them again in a bit of trouble. But KL Rahul stood with Gill, stabilizing the innings before the Indians cruised home.
Bangladesh’s batting was always under pressure. After being put to bat, they were in serious trouble, going as low as 35/5 at one time. Nevertheless, the combination of Towhid Hridoy, who was battling with cramps throughout the match, and Jaker Ali formed a gritty 154 stands partnership. It was a standout display of endurance by Towhid Hridoy himself, albeit with great discomfort. Their stand was the highest for the sixth wicket in Champions Trophy history and became the highest partnership against India for the sixth wicket in ODIs.
Hridoy scored after being dropped on his first ball, a missed opportunity that thwarted Axar from claiming a hat trick. Patel had earlier taken two in a row, dismissing Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. The early collapse of Bangladesh, losing three wickets for just 26 runs, had put the side on the back foot. Shami picked up five for India while Harshit Rana joined him by getting captain Najmul Shanto on a golden duck.
Yet despite a valiant fightback from Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali, 189 was far off the best Bangladesh could muster, and that was never going to be enough to shield their batting from the Indian pursuit. A clinical display with both bat and ball gave India a six-wicket victory and an easy start to their Champions Trophy campaign.
