Dubai (Web Desk): Bangladesh set a target of 229 runs for India in the second match of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at Dubai International Cricket stadium on Thursday.
The match saw a dramatic turn of events as Bangladesh's captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, opted to bat first—a decision that initially seemed to backfire.
Indian pacers made an early impact, tearing through Bangladesh's top order. At one stage, the Tigers found themselves reeling at 35/5 after just 8.3 overs, with India’s bowlers running riot.
However, a determined partnership between Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy revived Bangladesh’s fortunes. The pair weathered the storm and began to take on the Indian bowlers, dispatching the ball to the boundary with regularity.
Jaker Ali’s resilience stood out as he crafted a well-made 68 off 114 balls, with four boundaries to his name. Their 151-run stand brought Bangladesh back into contention before Mohammed Shami broke the crucial partnership in the 43rd over, dismissing Jaker.
Despite a brief collapse in the lower order, Towhid’s valiant century, a battling 100 off 118 balls (six fours, two sixes), anchored Bangladesh’s total.
Shami, with his brilliant bowling figures of 5/53 in 10 overs, was the star for India, while Harshit Rana chipped in with three wickets. Axar Patel also made his mark with two wickets, restricting Bangladesh to 228/9 at the close of their innings.
India will now look to chase down the modest target with confidence, but Bangladesh’s spirited recovery could make for an exciting second half.
Teams
Bangladesh: Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Rishad Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, KL Rahul (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav
