The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between India and Bangladesh was expected to be a routine victory for the Men in Blue. However, played in Dubai rather than the cricketing hotbeds of Lahore or Karachi, the usual fervor of an India match was noticeably subdued. Unlike the electrifying reception they might have received in Pakistan, the Indian team played in front of a relatively quiet and scattered crowd, making for an unusual setting for a high-stakes tournament game.
Bangladesh’s Fightback on a Tough Pitch
The slow, low deck in Dubai made run-scoring a laborious task for both teams. Bangladesh’s young brigade, despite their inexperience, showed great resilience in posting a competitive total. Their batting lineup initially crumbled under pressure, slipping to 35 for 5 due to some rash shot selection and disciplined Indian bowling. However, a remarkable century from Towhid Hridoy, aided by some crucial dropped catches by India, gave Bangladesh a lifeline. The middle and lower-order fightback ensured that they posted a total of 229, which proved tricky for India to chase.
Shami’s Brilliance and India’s Missed Opportunities
Mohammed Shami was the architect of Bangladesh’s early collapse, claiming his sixth ODI five-wicket haul and becoming the quickest bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets in terms of balls bowled. His incisive bowling left Bangladesh reeling, but lapses in fielding allowed the opposition to recover. Axar Patel, too, played a significant role, claiming crucial wickets and nearly securing a hat-trick. However, dropped catches—particularly by Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul—allowed Bangladesh to gain momentum.
India’s Chase: A Struggle for Stability
India’s pursuit of 229 started assuredly, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill laying a solid foundation with a 69-run opening stand. Rohit played aggressively, scoring a quickfire 41 off 36 balls before falling while trying to capitalize on the powerplay. His departure marked a turning point, as India’s innings slowed down considerably.
A Battle Against Spin and Conditions
Virat Kohli, India’s mainstay, once again fell to a legspinner, this time Rishad Hossain, who deceived him with a well-disguised delivery. Shreyas Iyer tried to settle in but perished while attempting to accelerate. Axar Patel, promoted in the batting order, failed to read a topspinner and was dismissed cheaply. With the wickets of key batters falling at regular intervals, India’s chase became a test of patience and adaptability.
Shubman Gill: The Anchoring Role
Amidst the struggles, Shubman Gill emerged as the saviour for India. Unlike his usual flamboyant style, Gill adjusted to the sluggish nature of the pitch, crafting his slowest ODI century and the slowest by an Indian in six years. After Rohit’s dismissal, he curbed his attacking instincts, relying on singles and rotating the strike efficiently. He took 52 balls to score his next 30 runs, waiting for the right moments to accelerate.
The Final Surge: India Seals the Victory
As the match neared its conclusion, Gill finally shifted gears, targeting the returning Tanzim Hasan. He reached his century with a six and a four, finishing with 125 balls to his name. KL Rahul, who had earlier survived a dropped chance, provided the finishing touch, striking a six off Tanzim to take India home with 21 balls to spare.
Lessons from the Contest
Both teams walked away with key learnings from this gripping contest. Bangladesh will rue their missed chances—both in the field and with their early batting collapse—but will take heart from the resilience shown by their middle order. India, on the other hand, will view this victory as a test passed under difficult conditions, but they will be wary of their vulnerability on slow pitches, something that haunted them in Sri Lanka previously.
In the end, it was a tactical battle where Shami’s brilliance, Bangladesh’s fighting spirit, and Gill’s patience combined to produce a contest that was far from a foregone conclusion.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
No comments:
Post a Comment