The Indian cricket team made an electrifying start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, ripping through Bangladesh batting lineup in a ruthless display of bowling. Mohammed Shami and Harshit Rana set the tone early, while Axar Patel nearly claimed a hat-trick in a dramatic ninth over.
Shami Strikes Early, Bangladesh in Freefall
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hoped to capitalize on the conditions. However, India’s bowlers had other plans:
- Shami made an immediate impact, striking in the first over.
- Harshit Rana added to the misery in the third over, forcing early setbacks.
- Shami’s second wicket further deepened Bangladesh’s woes.
The top order crumbled under relentless pressure, leaving them gasping at five wickets down inside nine overs.
Axar Patel’s Ninth Over: High Drama & Rohit’s Missed Hat-Trick Moment
The real fireworks came in the ninth over, when Axar Patel sent Bangladesh into full-blown crisis mode:
- Tanzid Hasan edged behind on the second ball, departing cheaply.
- Mushfiqur Rahim followed on the very next delivery, giving Axar two in two.
- With the crowd on the edge of their seats, Jaker Ali survived the hat-trick ball, but only because Rohit Sharma spilled a sharp catch at slip.
The Indian skipper was visibly frustrated, thumping the ground in disbelief before apologizing to Axar with folded hands.
Tactical Moves: India’s Selection Tweaks
Ahead of the match, Rohit Sharma confirmed two major changes, reinforcing India’s attack:
✅ Mohammed Shami replaced Arshdeep Singh
✅ Ravindra Jadeja came in for Varun Chakravarthy
“We would have bowled first, knowing how the ball behaves under lights. Every game is a must-win in this tournament, and we want to set the right momentum,” Rohit stated.
What’s Next?
With Pakistan and New Zealand also in Group A, both teams face high-pressure fixtures ahead. India, brimming with confidence, will look to carry this momentum forward, while Bangladesh must find a way to bounce back from this early catastrophe.
Can India maintain their dominance, or will Bangladesh script a stunning fightback?
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