Gill Guides India to Nervy Champions Trophy Victory Over Bangladesh

London, June 15, 2025 – Shubman Gill’s composed 78 steered India to a thrilling, albeit nervy, three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy opener at Lord’s Cricket Ground today. The match, a rollercoaster of momentum swings, saw India chase down a challenging 275 with just two balls to spare, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final delivery.

Bangladesh, electing to bat first, got off to a solid start thanks to a stunning century from Liton Das (112 off 120 balls). Das anchored the innings, showcasing impeccable timing and placement, forming crucial partnerships with Shakib Al Hasan (48) and Mushfiqur Rahim (35). While the Bangladesh middle order faltered somewhat, Das's knock provided the crucial foundation, pushing their total to a respectable 274/7. India's bowling attack, while containing bursts of brilliance from Mohammed Siraj (2/45) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/50), lacked consistency at times, allowing Bangladesh to post a competitive score.

India’s chase began disastrously. They lost Rohit Sharma cheaply, caught behind for a duck, triggering early nerves. Virat Kohli, struggling with form recently, also fell relatively early, adding to the mounting pressure. The middle order looked shaky, with several batsmen failing to convert starts into substantial scores. The required run rate began to climb, threatening to derail India’s campaign before it truly began.

However, it was Gill who held the fort. He showcased remarkable temperament, expertly navigating the challenging bowling attack. He formed a vital partnership with Hardik Pandya (55), who provided much-needed impetus with some powerful hitting. The duo shared a 100-run stand, steadying the ship and bringing the required run rate back under control.

Even with Pandya’s dismissal, Gill remained unfazed, playing with a maturity beyond his years. He calmly guided India towards the target, displaying a range of shots, from delicate flicks to powerful drives. However, the pressure remained intense. With wickets falling around him, the last few overs witnessed nail-biting drama. India needed 15 runs off the final over, bowled by Mustafizur Rahman, known for his death bowling prowess.

The tension was palpable as Gill calmly dispatched a boundary and then a six, bringing the equation down to a manageable 3 runs needed off 2 balls. A single from the penultimate ball sealed the thrilling victory for India, leaving the Lord's crowd roaring its approval.

Gill’s unbeaten 78, studded with 8 boundaries and a six, was the defining performance of the match, earning him the Player of the Match award. He acknowledged the pressure but praised his team's resilience. "It wasn't easy out there," he said in the post-match presentation. "Bangladesh bowled really well, but we showed great character to chase it down. It’s a good start to the tournament."

Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal, while acknowledging Das's magnificent century, expressed disappointment at the loss. "We played well for the most part but couldn't capitalise on the crucial moments," he said. "Credit to Gill, he played a fantastic innings."

The thrilling encounter sets the stage for a captivating Champions Trophy, with India starting their campaign on a high, while Bangladesh will look to regroup and bounce back in their subsequent matches. The win, however, highlights the potential of India's batting line-up, and especially the young Gill, who appears ready to shoulder the responsibility on the biggest stage.