Rohit Sharma-led India defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to start their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a win. It was Mohammed Shami-led India's pace battery as they rattled Bangladesh at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Shami was the pick of the bowlers with a five-wicket haul. The veteran pacer removed Soumya Sarkar (0), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5), Jaker Ali (68), Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0) and Taskin Ahmed (3) as Bangladesh bundled out on just 228 in 49.4 overs.
Shami caught the attention of fans with a flying kiss celebration when he picked up his fifth wicket (Taskin). After India's win the veteran pacer revealed that he dedicated the celebration to his father. Shami's father passed away in 2017.
“That is for my father because he is my role model. He is always there for me,” he said.
Destroying Bangladesh, Shami became India's leading wicket-taker in 50-over ICC events. The 34-year-old's five wickets took his tally to 60, overtaking former India pace spearhead Zaheer Khan. The left-arm seamer had taken 59 wickets in 32 innings while Shami crossed the mark in just his 19th innings. He has 55 wickets in ODI World Cups across three editions, with 24 in the 2023 tournament hosted at home.
After Shami's five-wicket haul, India vice-captain Shubman Gill took charge and guided the side to a comfortable win against Bangladesh. Gill who opened batting alongside skipper Rohit Sharma played an unbeaten knock of 101 runs in the opener clash of the mega event.
After defeating Bangladesh, India will now face Pakistan for their second league match on February 23 at the same venue. India will face New Zealand in their third league match on March 2.