Shubman Gill’s composed century propelled India to victory in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 2 in Dubai. Discover the highlights and key moments of the match
Introduction:
In spite of the majority of the assessments predicting batting first, India decided to field in Dubai, hoping that the conditions would relax under lights. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and decided to bat first on a parched pitch, hoping it would slow down during the course of the game.
They counted on three pacers in their team, and for spin, they depended on Rishad Hossain and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mahmudullah was not in the team, with no official reason being given for his exclusion. India, however, fielded their full-strength team, returning Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravindra Jadeja.
Shami and Axar Take Center Stage
Mohammed Shami’s upright release immediately extracted seam movement, troubling the Bangladeshi batters. Soumya Sarkar’s extravagant drive resulted in an inside edge, safely pouched by KL Rahul. Harshit Rana then dismissed Shanto for a duck, compounding Bangladesh’s woes. See also: Will Young and Tom Latham Shine as NZ win
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, promoted to No. 4, struggled against India’s pace attack. At 26 for 3 in seven overs, Bangladesh was already in deep trouble. Axar Patel’s entry to the attack paid rich dividends straight away, sending Tanzid Hasan packing with a ball that held its line. Axar then had Mushfiqur Rahim departing on the next ball and was on for a hat-trick. Having two slips and a leg slip in place, Jaker Ali was let off a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma at first slip. See also: Ryan Rickelton’s Century Powers South Africa
Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali Rescue Bangladesh
Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali put in a vital alliance, preventing the complete meltdown. India’s loose fielding went in their favour, with Jaker reprieved by an early dropped catch as well as by a missed stumping by KL Rahul. See also: Virat Kohli’s Masterclass 100 Sinks Pakistan
Despite struggling with cramps, Hridoy fought valiantly and reached his maiden ODI century. Jaker Ali’s patient 68 ensured Bangladesh reached a respectable 228 before being bowled out. Mohammed Shami was the standout performer, claiming a sensational five-wicket haul.
India’s Chase: Gill’s Masterclass Leads the Way
Pursuing 229 on a slow pitch, India made a good start. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s attacking game countered Mustafizur Rahman’s early swing. Rohit’s 41 in 36 balls established the pace before he was dismissed by Taskin Ahmed during the powerplay.
Shreyas Iyer was lucky to escape an early run-out opportunity, but his fortune turned against him when Mustafizur’s off-cutter got rid of him for 15. India’s innings lost steam briefly, particularly as Axar Patel, who was promoted to No. 5, got out while trying to play forceful shots.
Shubman Gill’s Composed Century Seals the Win
India were 161 for 4 at this stage and required 68 runs off 15 overs. Gill and KL Rahul concentrated on solidity first and then pressed for speed in the latter stages. A key moment occurred when Jaker Ali, who had been fortunate with the bat, dropped KL Rahul, and India got on with their pursuit.
With 19 runs needed off the last six overs, all eyes were on Gill’s personal milestone. The young opener picked his moment against Tanzim Hasan, striking a six and a four to bring up his eighth ODI century, his slowest but arguably his most mature one. India secured victory with 21 balls to spare.
Key Takeaways from the Match
Shami’s Lethal Spell: Mohammed Shami took a look back to his best, troubling the batters relentlessly with his impeccable seam position. His five-wicket haul was the key to dismantling Bangladesh’s backbone early in the game.
India’s Quick Powerplay Strikes: The game was won within the first 10 overs of both innings. India’s bowlers ran amok at the top, leaving Bangladesh at 36 for 5, and their openers ensured a rapid start in the pursuit.
Fielding Errors Proved Costly: India’s fielding was not up to the mark, with several dropped catches giving Bangladesh a chance to recover. But their supremacy in other departments meant these blips did not become too expensive.
Gill’s Calculated Approach: Shubman Gill’s innings was a display of patience and precision. On a stubborn wicket, he picked his moments well and made sure India never lost the chase.
Bangladesh’s Middle-Order Resilience: Despite a horror start, Tawhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali’s record sixth-wicket stand of 154 ensured Bangladesh had a fighting total. Without their contributions, the match would have been over much earlier.
Conclusion
India’s victory in Dubai showcased their ability to adapt to conditions and execute plans efficiently. Shami’s brilliance with the ball and Gill’s level-headedness with the bat were the defining factors in this comprehensive win. With this performance, India not only secured a crucial victory but also sent a strong message ahead of their upcoming fixtures.