Shubman Gill leads India to Champions Trophy win over Bangladesh

Gill’s unbeaten century secures India’s six-wicket victory in Dubai.

India's Shubman Gill celebrates after scoring a century during the ICC Champions Trophy ODI match between Bangladesh and India at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, on February 20, 2025. Photo by Jewel Samad/AFP

By Adila Ghina and Widya Putri

Shubman Gill continued his stellar form with an unbeaten 101, guiding India to a six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener on Thursday in Dubai. India, chasing a challenging 229 on a tough pitch, relied on Gill’s century—his second consecutive ODI ton—to reach the target with 21 balls to spare.

"Definitely one of my most satisfying innings that I have played and my first century in ICC events," Gill said after being named man of the match. "Very happy with the way I performed."

India captain Rohit Sharma praised his opening partner’s composure, saying, "Gill, we know the class that he has. It shouldn’t surprise anyone. It was good to see him bat till the end."

India, among the favorites for the title, are playing their matches at the Dubai International Stadium after refusing to travel to host nation Pakistan due to political tensions.

Mohammed Shami’s early strikes put Bangladesh on the back foot

Pace spearhead Mohammed Shami set up India’s win with a devastating opening spell, taking 5-53 to leave Bangladesh struggling at 35-5 after they elected to bat first.

However, a stunning 154-run partnership between Towhid Hridoy, who scored his maiden ODI century (100), and Jaker Ali (68) helped Bangladesh recover to post 228 all out. India’s fielding was below par, with two dropped catches allowing Bangladesh to rebuild their innings.

Shami’s five-wicket haul was his sixth in ODIs, and he became India’s highest wicket-taker in ICC ODI tournaments with 60 scalps, surpassing Zaheer Khan. His performance was crucial in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was ruled out of the tournament due to a back injury.

Shami struck in the first over, removing Soumya Sarkar for a five-ball duck. Axar Patel then delivered a double blow, dismissing Tanzid Hasan (25) and Mushfiqur Rahim for a duck in consecutive balls. Axar nearly claimed a hat-trick, but Rohit Sharma dropped a catch at first slip, giving Jaker a reprieve on nought.

Jaker survived another chance when KL Rahul missed a stumping on 24, while Towhid was dropped on 23 by Hardik Pandya at mid-off. Despite these lifelines, India regained control when Shami dismissed Jaker, and Towhid’s resistance ended after an impressive 118-ball knock that included six fours and two sixes.

India’s chase led by Gill’s unbeaten century

India made a strong start to their chase, with Rohit and Gill finding regular boundaries. Rohit became just the 10th player—and fourth Indian—to surpass 11,000 ODI runs before falling to fast bowler Taskin Ahmed for 41.

Virat Kohli received a loud ovation upon his arrival at the crease, but he took 10 balls to get off the mark and eventually managed only 22 before miscuing a cut shot off leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.

India suffered further setbacks when Axar Patel and Shreyas Iyer were dismissed by Rishad and Mustafizur Rahman, leaving them at 144-4. However, Gill remained calm and built a match-winning, unbeaten 87-run stand with KL Rahul (41*).

Rahul was given an early reprieve when Jaker dropped him at deep mid-wicket, and India capitalized on the mistake. Gill reached his eighth ODI century and ensured there were no further hiccups in the chase.

Bangladesh rues poor start and fielding lapses

"Losing five wickets in the powerplay cost us the game," Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto admitted. "Hridoy and Jaker batted brilliantly, but we made too many mistakes in the field. Dropped catches and missed run-outs changed the outcome."

Bangladesh’s poor fielding allowed India to recover from moments of pressure. Despite Hridoy’s maiden century, Bangladesh’s early collapse ultimately proved too costly.

India set for blockbuster clash against Pakistan

With a winning start in the Champions Trophy, India will now shift focus to their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. The match is expected to draw huge global viewership as the two cricketing giants face off in one of the most intense rivalries in the sport.

Gill’s form, along with India’s strong bowling attack led by Shami, will be crucial as they look to maintain their momentum and strengthen their position in the tournament.

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