From 35/5 to 228: Hridoy and Ali's Heroics in Vain as India Clinch Victory - india vs bangladesh highlights

 

The opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 between India and Bangladesh in Dubai was a tale of two halves. A disastrous start for Bangladesh saw them reeling at 35/5, only for a remarkable partnership between Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali to resurrect their innings. However, their heroic efforts ultimately proved futile as India chased down the target with relative ease, securing a 6-wicket victory. This india vs bangladesh highlights blog post will delve into the key moments, individual performances, and strategic aspects of this captivating encounter.

Early Onslaught: India's Pace Dominates

Bangladesh's decision to bat first after winning the toss quickly backfired as the Indian pace attack, led by Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana, ran rampant. Shami, returning to the ODI side, struck in the very first over, removing Soumya Sarkar. He continued his devastating spell, claiming the wickets of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanzid Hasan, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage. Debutant Harshit Rana also impressed, providing good support to Shami and adding to Bangladesh's woes.

The top order crumbled under pressure, leaving Bangladesh in a precarious situation at 35/5 within the first nine overs. The Indian bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, with Shami reaching a milestone of 200 ODI wickets during his fiery spell. At this point, a complete collapse seemed inevitable, but Bangladesh had other plans.

The Rescue Act: Hridoy and Ali's Remarkable Partnership

With their team in dire straits, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure. Coming together at 35/5, the duo embarked on a herculean task of rebuilding the innings. They adopted a cautious approach initially, focusing on consolidation and preventing further damage.

As they settled in, Hridoy and Ali began to find the boundaries, gradually shifting the momentum. Their 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket not only rescued Bangladesh but also set a new record for the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Champions Trophy history and against India in ODIs. Hridoy, in particular, played a brilliant innings, reaching his maiden ODI century with a composed and calculated approach. His innings of 100 off 118 balls was a testament to his skill and temperament under pressure.

Ali, on the other hand, provided excellent support, contributing a valuable 68 off 114 balls. While his strike rate was not blistering, his ability to soak up the pressure and rotate the strike was crucial in allowing Hridoy to flourish. Together, they defied the Indian bowlers and frustrated the fielders, who had earlier been on top.

Missed Opportunities: India's Sloppy Fielding

While the Indian bowlers were largely impressive, their fielding left something to be desired. Several dropped catches and missed opportunities allowed Bangladesh to claw their way back into the game. Rohit Sharma dropped a straightforward catch off Jaker Ali early in his innings, while Hardik Pandya grassed a chance offered by Hridoy. KL Rahul also missed a stumping opportunity, giving Hridoy another reprieve. These lapses in the field proved costly, as Hridoy and Ali capitalized on their second chances to build a substantial partnership.

Shami Strikes Again: Breaking the Partnership

Just when it seemed like Bangladesh were gaining complete control, Mohammed Shami returned to break the crucial partnership. He dismissed Ali for 68, ending the 154-run stand and giving India a much-needed breakthrough. Shami continued to wreak havoc, picking up two more wickets to complete his five-wicket haul. His performance was a timely reminder of his quality and experience, especially in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

Bangladesh's Final Push: A Fighting Total

Despite the loss of Ali, Hridoy continued to battle, pushing Bangladesh past the 200-run mark. However, he eventually succumbed to cramps and was dismissed as the last wicket, scoring a magnificent 100. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 228 in 49.4 overs, a total that seemed unlikely after their disastrous start.

India's Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 229 for victory, India got off to a solid start, with Shubman Gill anchoring the innings. He played with great composure and confidence, building partnerships with the other batsmen. Gill reached his century, remaining unbeaten on 101 and guiding India to victory. His innings was a masterclass in pacing and adaptability, as he assessed the conditions and played accordingly.

Rahul's Support: Ensuring Victory

KL Rahul provided excellent support to Gill, contributing a valuable 41 not out. He rotated the strike well and ensured that India remained on course for victory. The partnership between Gill and Rahul was crucial in nullifying any chances of a Bangladesh comeback.

Conclusion: India's All-Round Performance Seals the Win

In conclusion, the India vs. Bangladesh match in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a thrilling encounter filled with twists and turns. Bangladesh's recovery from 35/5 to 228 was a testament to the resilience and determination of Hridoy and Ali. However, their heroic efforts were ultimately in vain as India chased down the target with ease, thanks to Shubman Gill's magnificent century and Mohammed Shami's five-wicket haul.

While India's fielding was below par, their bowling and batting performances were largely impressive. Shami's return to form was a major positive, while Gill's consistency at the top of the order continues to be a huge asset. This India vs bangladesh highlights match showcased the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of seizing key moments. Despite the valiant effort from Bangladesh, India's all-round performance secured a well-deserved victory, setting a positive tone for their Champions Trophy campaign.