Bangladesh discovered a new cricketing star in Towhid Hridoy, who had a magnificent knock to record his first ODI century against India in their inaugural match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai on Thursday (Feb 20). His masterly innings helped Bangladesh recover from a catastrophic beginning when India sent them tumbling to 35 for five.
India’s Early Dominance with the Ball
Choosing to bowl first, the Indian bowling unit, spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, tore apart Bangladesh’s top order. Three of Bangladesh’s first five batsmen were dismissed for ducks, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored only five and Tanzid Hasan scored 25 runs. With Bangladesh in serious trouble, Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali came in to steady the ship.
Maiden ODI 💯 for Bangladesh’s Tawhid Hridoy and what an occasion to bring it up 👏#ChampionsTrophy #BANvIND ✍️: https://t.co/zafQJUBu9o pic.twitter.com/zgkUwb4MXy
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2025
Towhid Hridoy and Jaker’s Gritty Partnership
The pair demonstrated enormous calmness, keeping wickets intact in the face of blistering Dubai sun and cramps. Though there were a couple of dropped catches by India, they made full use of the chances they got and kept ticking the scoreboard. Jaker Ali contributed a decent knock, hitting 68 runs off 114 balls, before being taken out by India’s bowling.
Hridoy’s Heroic Innings
Whereas Jaker was the stabilizing factor, Towhid Hridoy was the game-changer. His cautious but belligerent attitude goaded the Indian bowlers, allowing Bangladesh to reach the 200-run mark. As he was nearing his century, Hridoy cramped and fell on the ground in agony, but following a speedy medical examination, he returned to his feet and continued his battle.
In Mohammed Shami’s final over, Hridoy punched a shot towards point, celebrating his well-deserved century with sheer determination. His innings kept Bangladesh in the game despite their early struggles.
Bangladesh Posts 228 Despite Shami’s Five-Wicket Haul
Shami, who claimed his first five-wicket haul since the 2023 ODI World Cup, continued to be India’s go-to bowler. Towhid Hridoy was finally caught in the last over by Harshit Rana, scoring exactly 100. Bangladesh was able to score 228 runs in the first innings, providing their bowlers with a fighting score to defend.
