Champions Trophy: Hridoy-Jaker gritty partnership helps Bangladesh put 228 on board against India

Bangladesh staged a strong recovery after losing five wickets for 35 within the first nine overs, managing to put up 228 against former champions India on Thursday in their 2025 Champions Trophy opener.

India got off to an explosive start, making an early impact with the ball after Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first in Dubai.

Mohammed Shami struck early, dismissing Soumya Sarkar (0 off 5 balls) and experienced all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5 off 10 balls). Lanky pacer Harshit Rana complemented Shami by sending Bangladesh skipper Shanto (0 off 2 balls) back to the pavilion, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 3/5.


Before Bangladesh could recover from early jolts, spinner Axar Patel struck twice in a single over, removing Tanzid Hasan (25 off 25 balls) and veteran wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim (0 off 1 ball).

India had a chance to pile on the pressure, but Rohit Sharma dropped an easy catch of Jaker Ali, and Axar Patel missed out on a hat-trick.

Just when Bangladesh seemed in deep trouble, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali put together a crucial partnership, helping their team recover and post a respectable total.

Hridoy and Jaker stitched the highest sixth-wicket partnership against India in ODIs, adding 154 runs off 206 balls, before seasoned pacer Mohammed Shami broke the stand to claim his 200th ODI wicket by dismissing Jaker Ali (68 off 114 balls) with a fine catch by Virat Kohli at long-on.

After Jaker's dismissal, Towhid Hridoy continued his superb batting despite struggling with cramps under the scorching Dubai sun. The physio was called multiple times as he limped between runs. However, Hridoy fought through the discomfort to complete his maiden ODI century off 114 balls at a crucial juncture, ensuring Bangladesh posted a respectable total against India's formidable batting lineup.