IND vs BAN: India made a confident start to their Champions Trophy campaign with a thrilling win against Bangladesh. The Indian team had a modest target of 229 runs. Despite a loss of wickets in the middle order, India eventually secured a six-wicket victory, putting them just one step away from securing a semi-final spot. Shubhman Gill was named player of the match for his match-winning knock of 101 runs in 129 deliveries. Their next match, set to take place on 23rd February against Pakistan at the same venue.
The Opening Partnership: Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s Solid Start
In pursuit of a target of 229, India set off with a bang, taking 69 runs for the first wicket in just 59 balls, courtesy of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubham Gill. Rohit played a swift knock of 41 runs off 36 balls, hitting 7 boundaries along his way.
This innings led him to a significant milestone: becoming the second-fastest batsman, after Virat Kohli, to score 11,000 runs in One Day Internationals.
Rohit’s wicket would turn the tide to the innings; then came Virat Kohli. He scored 22 runs off 38 balls before getting out to the leg-spin of Bangladesh’s Rishad Hussain. Still so far, he fails to play off-stump or outside off-stump deliveries on the field.
Shubman Gill’s Match-Winning Century: A Lone Warrior for India
After Kohli, Iyer (15) and Patel (8) fell quickly. India was in a precarious position. It fell to Shubman Gill to put his hand up at that juncture. The vice-captain steadied the innings and played a sensible knock, scoring his 4th consecutive 50+ score in ODIs.
His innings was studded with a measured century awesome score of 101 off 129 balls which included 9 fours and 2 sixes, his 8th in ODIs, essential for India’s victory. KL Rahul finished with an unhurried 41* off 47, and smashed the winning 6, guiding India home in 45.4 overs.
Mohammad Shami’s Brilliant Bowling: A Key to Victory
Earlier, it was Mohammad Shami’s outstanding performance with the ball that saw the Indians getting features at Bangladesh under control. Shami, who had been a problem missing from Jasprit Bumrah, made himself stand up to the occasion with a brilliant 5-wicket haul.
Shami’s 5 wickets for 53 runs in his 10 overs were extremely crucial in limiting Bangladesh to just 228 runs on board. His performance assured a great win along with the record of being the fastest Indian to reach 200 ODI wickets.
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Shami’s impact was almost visible during Bangladesh’s recovery from a dire situation. Bangladesh, at one point, was reeling at 35 for 5, but a strong partnership between Tauheed Hriday and Zaker Ali revived their innings. Hridoy, in particular, played a tremendous knock, scoring 100 runs from 118 balls, containing 6 fours and 2 sixes. His century came at the right time, and he alongside Ali revived Bangladesh back in the match with a 154-run partnership for the 6th wicket.
Fielding Lapses Provide Bangladesh with Chances
Despite Shami’s brilliance, India’s fielding left much to be desired. Both Hridoy and Ali were given reprieves during their innings. Ali was dropped on the 1st ball he faced, and Hridoy was gifted with 2 chances. Hardik Pandya missed a catch at mid-off off Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul missed a stumping chance, both of which allowed the Bangladeshi batsmen to settle into their innings.
These lapses gave Bangladesh a slight chance to build a competitive total, but India’s bowlers, particularly Shami and Harshit Rana, kept up the pressure. Rana, who was preferred over left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh for this match, took 3 wickets for 31 runs, supporting Shami brilliantly.
India’s Dominance Despite the Struggles
In the end, India’s total of 229 was achieved with just a few hiccups, thanks to Gill’s determined century and solid contributions from Rahul. Though India’s middle order showed signs of weakness, their bowlers—led by Shami—had ensured a modest target for the chase. While the fielding was not up to the usual standards, India’s dominant bowling attack and Shubman Gill’s match-winning knock made sure they got over the line.
With this win, India remains on track for a semi-final berth in the Champions Trophy. Their next big challenge will come in the form of arch-rivals Pakistan on 23rd February, and all eyes will be on that crucial match as India looks to maintain their momentum in the tournament. While Bangladesh will play against New Zealand in Rawalpindi on 24th Feb to regain their vulnerable position in the Champions Trophy.
