Pre-Match Build-Up
Toss and Team Selection
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India’s playing XI featured Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja, replacing Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakaravarthy from their previous ODI against England. Bangladesh opted for three pacers (Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan) and two spinners (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain)
Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch, described as “fresh” with visible cracks, was expected to favor pacers early but slow down later. Boundaries were uneven (72m–84m), and no dew was reported, reducing concerns about chasing under lights. Former England captain Nasser Hussain noted the surface might tire over 100 overs, favoring first-innings totals
Key Players to Watch
India
Shubman Gill (recent century against England), Mohammed Shami (returning from injury), and Virat Kohli (37 runs away from 14,000 ODI runs).
Bangladesh:
Tanzid Hasan (aggressive opener), Mustafizur Rahman (variations), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (spin threat
Powerplay Overs
Over 1: Mohammed Shami
struck immediately, dismissing Soumya Sarkar (0) with an inswinger caught by KL Rahul. Bangladesh:
Over 1.4: Harshit Rana
removed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (0) with a delivery edged to Virat Kohli at covers. Bangladesh:
Over 6.3
Shami struck again, with Shubman Gill taking a sharp slip catch to dismiss Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5). Bangladesh: 26/3
Middle Overs (11–30)
Towhid Hridoy and Tanzid Hasan attempted a recovery, but India’s spinners (Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel) tightened the run rate.
A near run-out in the 4th over highlighted Bangladesh’s shaky communication
Key Moments
Tanzid Hasan’s Boundaries: Hit back-to-back fours off Shami in the 3rd over, reaching 11/2 711.
Shami’s Milestone: The pacer inched closer to 200 ODI wickets, needing two more after dismissing Sarkar and Miraz
Player Performances and Tactical Analysis
Mohammed Shami’s Comeback
Shami, returning after a 14-month injury hiatus, spearheaded India’s attack. His seam movement and accuracy earned figures of 2/19 in 7 overs
Mohammed Shami’s Comeback
Shami, returning after a 14-month injury hiatus, spearheaded India’s attack. His seam movement and accuracy earned figures of 2/19 in 7 overs
Historical Context and Records
Head-to-Head Dominance
India extended their ODI record against Bangladesh to 33 wins in 42 matches. Their last Champions Trophy meeting (2017) saw Rohit Sharma’s 123* guiding a 10-wicket win
Milestones Achieved
Rohit Sharma: Nearing 11,000 ODI runs (12 short)
Ravindra Jadeja: Played his 200th ODI
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
#ShamiComeback trended globally, celebrating his 2-wicket haul .
Bangladeshi fans criticized their team’s “timid approach” against India’s pace
India’s comprehensive start signaled their intent to reclaim the Champions Trophy, last won in 2013. Bangladesh, meanwhile, needed urgent fixes in batting and leadership to stay competitive. The match set the stage for a high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan on February 23
