Half-centuries for Bangladesh
After facing 87 balls and surviving two close calls, Jaker Ali has reached a half-century, keeping Bangladesh’s hopes alive in the match.
He has been joined by Tawhid Hridoy, who brings up his half-century with a thick edge off Ravindra Jadeja, reaching 53 off 85 balls. From a challenging 35 for 5, the pair have guided Bangladesh to 162 for 5 in 39 overs.
It is the first sighter of India’s talked-out spin trio, and it has taken two balls to remove the impressive-looking Tanzid Hasan. The cardinal sin is playing Axar for the turn, and the ball goes straight to take the edge for KL Rahul to collect.
Top order collapse
Axar Patel doesn’t even know the edge has been taken, but the umpire Paul Reiffel is so certain he gives the batter a chance to walk off. According to Cricinfo, when Tanzid doesn’t, Reiffel sends him on his way.
In comes Mushfiqur Rahim, surely too low at No. 6, and he does the right thing: play the line. Axar, though, gets this one to turn and takes the outside edge to now be on a hat-trick.
Two slips, a leg slip, a short midwicket. Jaker Ali is the batter. Axar is slow again, gets some turn, takes the edge, but Rohit Sharma drops a sitter at first slip. He is so filthy with himself that he keeps slapping the ground. Bangladesh 36 for 5 in nine overs.
Bangladesh are now 42/5 in 11 overs.
Tanzid Hasan ✅
Mushfiqur Rahim ✅Axar Patel into the attack and he brings with him – BACK to BACK wickets ⚡️⚡️
KL Rahul with two sharp catches! 👏👏
Follow the Match ▶️ https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia | #BANvIND | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/8g5BaHYzXj
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025
Earlier, another wicked goes down. Hajmul Hossain Shanto also goes for a duck. Muhammad Shami dismisses Soumya Sarkar for a duck. Shami started a successful return to the Indian side. Bangladesh is struggling to play Indian pacers.
Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bat first against India in the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
This clash promises to be an electrifying showcase, testing the resolve of both teams.
India’s batting lineup sparkles with luminaries like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, each capable of dismantling any bowling attack on their day. Their prowess to accelerate and chase mammoth totals is legendary. However, they must remain vigilant against a Bangladeshi bowling unit that has proven to be a handful. The crafty Mustafizur Rahman, with his array of variations, alongside Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, will be poised to make significant breakthroughs.
Significant breakthroughs
The last encounter between these two at this venue was the memorable Asia Cup Final in September 2018, where India emerged winners. Historically, India has dominated here, winning 5 out of 6 ODIs, while Bangladesh has managed just one win out of three matches.
Jasprit Bumrah
India will feel the absence of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury, while Bangladesh’s hopes are dampened by the absence of their star all-rounder, Shakib al Hasan, who has been sidelined over concerns regarding his bowling action.
Surprisingly, India has opted for only three frontline pacers complemented by Hardik Pandya, yet their squad boasts five quality spinners, indicating a strategy focused on their strengths.
Bangladesh relies on the seasoned Taskin and Mustafizur, complemented by promising newcomer Nahid Rana. The batting remains a critical concern for Bangladesh, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto tasked with anchoring the innings, allowing aggressive players like Tawhid Hridoy and Mahmudullah to flourish.
With India coming off a strong series against England, featuring impressive performances from Rohit, Kohli, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, they will be brimming with confidence. As the pitch conditions may favour seamers, there remains a possibility of assistance for spinners as well, adding another layer of intrigue.
Can Bangladesh pull off a stunning upset to ignite their campaign? Or will India assert their dominance once more? The answer awaits on the field.
Bangladesh Squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, Nasum Ahmed, Parvez Hossain Emon, Rishad Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Towhid Hridoy.
India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, KL Rahul, Varun Chakravarthy, Washington Sundar.
Our Playing XI for #BANvIND 👊
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/ggnxmdG0VK#TeamIndia |#ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/pKwRfCt2MR
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 20, 2025
