India trounce Bangladesh by six wickets to start Champions Trophy in great form
India secured a decisive victory over Bangladesh in their opening match of the Champions Trophy, triumphing by six wickets after successfully chasing a target of 229 runs. The match showcased a blend of resilience and strategic play, setting a strong precedent for India’s campaign in the tournament.
The chase began with some early setbacks, as India lost key wickets in the initial overs. Captain Rohit Sharma provided a quick start with a fluent 41 off 36 balls before being dismissed. Following his departure, Virat Kohli struggled to find momentum and was eventually out for 22 off 38 balls. Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel also failed to make a significant impact, contributing just 15 and 8 runs, respectively.
However, the innings saw a turning point when young opener Shubman Gill anchored the chase with a well-crafted century. Playing with patience and precision, Gill reached his hundred in 125 balls, ensuring stability after the initial hiccups. His composed approach allowed India to regain control of the match. Supporting him at the other end, KL Rahul played a crucial role in steering the team towards victory. With smart shot selections and a calculated approach, Rahul remained unbeaten, ensuring India reached the target comfortably with 21 balls to spare.
Earlier in the game, Bangladesh had opted to bat first but found themselves in deep trouble early on. The team suffered a major collapse, losing their top five wickets for just 35 runs, putting them under immense pressure. However, the innings saw a remarkable turnaround thanks to Towhid Hridoy, who displayed immense grit and determination to notch up his maiden century in international cricket.
Battling cramps and facing relentless bowling from the Indian attack, Hridoy partnered with Jaker Ali to build a record-breaking sixth-wicket stand. Their 154-run partnership became the highest-ever sixth-wicket stand in the history of the Champions Trophy. Jaker Ali played a commendable supporting role, contributing a solid 68 runs before eventually being dismissed. Their efforts ensured Bangladesh reached a competitive total of 228 runs, which at one stage seemed improbable given their poor start.
India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by the experienced Mohammed Shami, who showcased his class with an impressive five-wicket haul. His early breakthroughs kept Bangladesh on the back foot, preventing them from setting a higher target. Harshit Rana and Axar Patel also played crucial roles in restricting the opposition, with Axar Patel coming tantalizingly close to a hat-trick. However, an unfortunate drop by Rohit Sharma in the slips denied him the milestone, allowing Hridoy to continue his innings.
Bangladesh’s decision to bat first did not work in their favor, as they lost their first two wickets within the opening two overs. The team struggled to recover initially but found hope through the Hridoy-Jaker partnership, which ultimately provided them with a defendable total.
In the end, India’s well-rounded performance ensured a comfortable victory, with their batting lineup showcasing resilience despite the early setbacks. The strong showing by the bowlers and the composed innings by Gill and Rahul reaffirmed India’s status as one of the tournament favorites. Moving forward, the team will look to build on this momentum as they aim for further success in the Champions Trophy.
