AFG vs SA Match Preview

Afghanistan's ODI performances have improved over time, particularly in recent years. They have a fantastic opportunity to defeat South Africa while their opponents are in poor form. South Africa will have to adjust to different conditions but will remain competitive. Afghanistan has chosen a mix of experienced and young players for this series. They'll be confident going into this match and eager to get off to a good start.

AFG vs SA Match Details

Afghanistan vs South Africa – 3rd Match, Champions Trophy 2025

Venue: National Stadium Karachi, Karachi

Date & Time: 21st February 2025 at 02:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

AFG vs SA Venue Stats

AFG vs SA Pitch Report

The National Stadium at Karachi should offer a batting-friendly surface due to its consistent pace and bounce. Fast bowlers may benefit from the new ball early in the game before the spinners enter the picture. 

AFG vs SA Weather Report

The weather will likely be partly cloudy during the day. Temperatures will approach 30 degrees Celsius, with a fair amount of humidity. There is a 5% chance of rainfall on matchday.

AFG vs SA Last Five Matches

AFG vs SA Head-to-Head Stats

Afghanistan vs South Africa Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: BAN vs IND Dream11 Prediction 2nd Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

AFG vs SA Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada

Afghanistan Probable Playing XIs

Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Topmost Picks for AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Afghanistan

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz – Gurbaz provides explosive starts and dependable wicketkeeping, making him a dual threat. In the prior ODI series against South Africa, he was named player of the series after scoring 194 runs.
• Mohammad Nabi – Mohammad Nabi, a veteran, brings invaluable experience as an off-spinner and middle-order batsman. He has 170 ODI caps, with over 3600 ODI runs and 170 ODI wickets.

Top Picks – South Africa

• Temba Bavuma – Bavuma's strategic ability and composed batting solidify a strong top-order batting combination. He scored 82 runs against Pakistan during the ODI Tri-Nation Series.
• Keshav Maharaj – Keshav Maharaj is the team's leading spinner. The left-arm spinner's control and guile are critical in containing runs and breaking pairs during middle overs. He has more than 50 wickets in the format globally.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for Afghanistan vs South Africa Dream11 Team:

Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen(C), Azmatullah Omarzai(VC), Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for Afghanistan vs South Africa Dream11 Team:

Heinrich Klaasen(C), Temba Bavuma, Rahmanullah Gurbaz(VC), Ibrahim Zadran, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen

Vice-captain – Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmanullah Gurbaz

Wicketkeeper – Heinrich Klaasen

AFG vs SA Probable Winners:

Conditions could be an important factor in deciding this match. Given their experience with Asian field conditions, the team may encounter few surprises on this pitch. That could make them favorites. They've also recently won ODIs. South Africa might be on the back foot in the match with foreign conditions and struggling to get results in their most recent ODIs. Afghanistan's batting lineup has historically struggled against South African bowling. South Africa has a better head-to-head record against Afghanistan, winning 2 of their last 3 games. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

RCBW vs MIW Match Preview

The Women's Premier League 2025 is shaping up as Royal Challengers Bangalore Women face Mumbai Indians Women in Match 7. Both squads have shown signs of brilliance in previous matches. Smriti Mandhana leads the RCBW batting lineup, while Harmanpreet Kaur leads MIW's bowling attack. The teams will be hoping to get the most out of the conditions and gain an advantage in the tournament. The stage is set for an exciting competition, and it shall be interesting to find out which team emerges victorious.

RCBW vs MIW Match Details 

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians – 7th Match, WPL-2025

Venue: M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Date & Time: 21th February 2025 at 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

RCBW vs MIW Venue Stats

RCBW vs MIW Pitch Report

There is little known about this pitch. Although it appears to be a high-scoring venue, the most recent T20 game here was extremely low-scoring. We expect a good batting wicket this time.

RCBW vs MIW Weather Report

It is expected to be clear and sunny in Bengaluru, with a high of 33 degrees Celsius. The weather would also be clear around match time in the evening.  

RCBW vs MIW Last Five Matches

RCBW vs MIW Head-to-Head Stats

Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Mumbai Indians Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: BAN vs IND Dream11 Prediction 2nd Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

RCBW vs MIW Probable Playing XIs:

Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XIs

Royal Challengers Bangalore Probable Playing XIs

Smriti Mandhana(c), Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Ellyse Perry, Raghvi Bist, Richa Ghosh(w), Kanika Ahuja, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Ekta Bisht, Joshitha VJ, Renuka Thakur Singh

Topmost Picks for RCBW vs MIW Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Mumbai Indians

• Nat Sciver-Brunt – She maintained a unique average of 98.33 and amassed a total of 295 runs in 8 innings in the previous season.
• Amelia Kerr –  She took the highest number of wickets, 11 wickets in 8 matches for the team, and has a stunning strike rate as a batter.

Top Picks – Royal Challengers Bangalore

• Smriti Mandhana – She has scored 234 runs in her last 5 innings, with an average of 46.80. She is a top-order batsman who can anchor the innings for RCBW.
• Renuka Thakur Singh –  She took 5 wickets in 2 innings in the previous season, with an economy rate of 5.75 and best bowling figures of 3/23.

RCBW vs MIW Probable Winners:

Royal Challengers Bangalore has a strong batting lineup led by Smriti Mandhana, who has been in top form, and a skilled bowling attack spearheaded by Ellyse Perry. The team has shown great depth and consistency in their previous matches, and they believe they can overcome MIW's strong bowling attack. RCBW's experience and skill will give them the edge. The key players for RCBW will be Smriti Mandhana and Ellyse Perry, while Nat Sciver-Brunt and Harmanpreet Kaur will be crucial for MIW. However, I believe RCBW's overall strength and momentum will carry them to victory. Considering the team combination, Royal Challengers Bangalore is expected to win this match.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided another solid start for his national team with the bat in their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they faced Bangladesh in the Group A fixture at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Commentators once again praised the Indian skipper's batting style, while his old Indian opening partner Shikhar Dhawan made a special comment. 

In their first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match, after restricting Bangladesh to 228 runs from 35/5, Indian captain Rohit Sharma set up another good start for Men in Blue on the tricky batting pitch. While he and Shubman Gill had a valuable 69-run partnership for the first wicket inside the first powerplay, Rohit was dismissed on the fifth ball of the 10th over after scoring 41 off 36 balls with seven fours. His aggressive batting failed Bangladesh's early plan to pressurize the Indian batters.

See Also: Social media shower praises for unstoppable Mohammed Shami

Aakash Chopra and Shikhar Dhawan called Rohit Sharma pure diamond

Former Indian cricketers, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Aakash Chopra, and Shikhar Dhawan, were enjoying Rohit's batting in the Hindi commentary box. Aakash Chopra first commented, "10-carat ka heera hain ye" (He is a 10-carat diamond).

Shikhar Dhawan, who was a great opening partner of Rohit, replied with "Kehte hain ki kisi ke naak main heera, kisi ke kaan main heera, mujhe heero se matlab kya, mera to yaar hain heera" (They say that someone has a diamond in their nose, someone has a diamond in their ear, what do I care about diamonds, my friend is a diamond) 

Shikhar Dhawan for Rohit Sharma:

"Kisi ke naak me heera, kisi ke kaan me heera. Mujhe unse kya lena dena, kyonki mera to yaar hi hain Heera"🥹❤️
pic.twitter.com/IORq7DmAoi

— Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) February 20, 2025

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were great opening partners

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were one of the best opening partners in Indian white-ball cricket history. As the opening partners, they recorded 5148 partnership runs in ODIs and 1743 partnership runs in T20Is.

After the Indian skipper missed a sitter to deprive the left-arm spinner of a deserved hat-trick against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group match, Axar Patel could be in for dinner surprise from skipper Rohit Sharma. With Shubman Gill's ton, India eventually won the match by six wickets to make a good beginning to their campaign.
Bangladesh decided to bat, but after the loss of the first three wickets in the seventh over, they were deep in trouble. Axar Patel, who came into the bowling in the ninth over, repaid the favour by getting Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim in his second and third balls respectively.

Rohit Sharma said - “May take Axar Patel for dinner tomorrow (smiles). No, that was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch with the standards I have set for myself. But I do know these things are bound to happen”. pic.twitter.com/UVu7dNGIR6

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: Subhman Gill Century Paves The Road To Victory For India

Rohit action and reply:
Against the hat-trick ball, Axar hit down the right channel and Jaker Ali Anik hit one to Rohit in the slip cordon. Yet, Rohit dropped an easy catch as Axar missed out on the chance of taking the hat-trick. Post the match being won by India with six wickets, Rohit said he might take the all-rounder out for dinner and also admitted that he should have taken the 'easy' catch.

“I may take him for a dinner tomorrow. That was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch, the standards I have set standing in the slips but these things happen,” Rohit was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Afghanistan potential top four favorites? They did exceptionally well on slow pitches in the T20 World Cup in Dubai. They got to the top four their and are relatively unscathed by injury barring the loss of AM Ghazanfar. Their line-up has played probably the most ODI Cricket among teams in the recent past, and are very well settled. The spinners too are well equipped to make statements on the Pakistan tracks. South Africa though start potential favorites themselves. They are the ones who brought Afghanistan back to earth in the T20 World Cup, blowing Afghanistan away in the Semi-Finals. Afghanistan will want revenge and they know they have the line-up for that.

AFG vs SA Match Details

Date: February 21st, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Karachi

Afghanistan vs South Africa Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

Afghanistan vs South Africa Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 302

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 268

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 3

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 2

Karachi has helped with spin but runs were put up effortlessly in the first innings of the tournament opener. The ball seems to be coming onto the bat well early on. Batting first remains a better choice with runs on the board a nice cushion in ODI Cricket.

See Also: BAN vs IND Today Match Prediction 

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head

AFG vs SA Predicted Playing XI

AFG Playing XI

Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed, Fareed Ahmed, Fazalhaq Farooqi

SA Playing XI

Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickleton, Aiden Markaram. Tristin Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi 

See Also: RCBW vs MIW Dream11 Prediction

Afghanistan vs South Africa Key Players

Heinrich Klaasen

Seeing Glenn Phillips go about an effortless onslaught will give Heinrich Klaasen a lot of belief. His power is well known and clearing the Pakistani fences will be easy if he finds his range against the Afghanistan bowlers. He has had his struggles though taking on Rashid Khan, and that battle will be something to watch.

Stat: Klaasen was bowled by Rashid Khan in the 2023 World Cup. 

Mohammad Nabi

Mohammad Nabi finally makes it to the Champions Trophy after playing in division three for Afghanistan. He has been around from the worst to best for Afghanistan and he wants more. He has hinted that he could continue in ODIs after the tournament and his experience will be very important particularly with the ball in the absence of Ghazanfar. 

AFG vs SA Match Tips

There are likely to be some tough match-ups in the coming game. Afghanistan though will know that they are in for a challenge. South Africa gave them a hiding in the 2023 World cup and T20 World cup semi-final and are a tough side to beat.

Match Prediction: South Africa Will Win the Match

The WPL comes home for Bengaluru. The games turns out to be a battle between RCB's Indian talent and MI's overseas talent which has stepped up spectacularly in the recent games. RCB though are on a dominant run and look very deep with their batting, showing the ability to rack up decently sized totals with ease.

RCBW vs MIW Match Details

Date: February 21st, 2025

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Bengaluru

RCBW vs MIW Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

RCBW vs MIW Pitch Report

Bengaluru looks pretty balanced with batting second a better choice.

See Also: RCBW vs MIW Dream11 Prediction

RCBW vs MIW Predicted Playing XI

MIW Playing XI

Yastika Bhatia, Hayley Mathews, Nat Sciver Brunt, Harmanpreet Kaur, Amelia Kerr, Sajeevan Sajana, Amanjot Kaur, Sanskriti Gupta, Jintimani Kalita, Shabnim Islmail, Saika Ishaque

RCBW Playing XI

Smriti Mandhana, Danni Wyatt Hodge, Sabbhineni Meghana, Richa Ghosh, Charlie Dean, Kanika Ahuja, Asha Shobana, Shreyanka Patil, Renuka Singh, Ekta Bisht, Kim Garth 

See Also: AFG vs SA Today Match Prediction

RCBW vs MIW Key Players

Renuka Singh

With players missing RCB will be depending on certain players and Renuka Singh is one of them.

Nat Sciver Brunt

Nat Sciver Brunt battled a turning track well in the previous game. She is an experienced candidate and held the innings together nicely. Impetus from Harmanpreet in between gave her some time to bed in as she transitioned beautifully through her innings. 

RCBW vs MIW Match Tips

Mumbai are coming in on a losing streak but their line-up remains one that is settled and just not firing enough.

Match Prediction: MI Women Will Win the Match

India are coming in on a roll in ODIs. They have a lot of flexibility batting deep while having a variety of all-rounders. The loss of Jasprit Bumrah though leaves them without a trump card as India now look to find one in their spinners, playing to their strength. Shami is in the side though and he could fill in with the responsibility, if he finds his regular form. Bangladesh start a new era with Shakib Al Hasan missing. Litton Das is out of the squad as well and Bangladesh are left with a challenge given their minimal experience. Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmadullah are still going strong though and will be hoping for a nice swansong. They were a part of the side which gave its peak performance, making the Semi-Finals in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

BAN vs IND Match Details

Date: February 20th, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Dubai

Bangladesh vs India Weather Report

A pleasant evening is expected in Dubai. Dew could be a factor though with the temperatures remaining in the 20s.

BAN vs IND Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 271

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 263

Wins Batting First in the last five games: 2

Wins Batting Second in the last five games: 1

Dubai hasn't hosted competitive ODIs in a while. The games tend to be medium scoring with the pitches getting two paced. Dew does make an appearance but batting first remains a safer bet.

See Also: India’s Battle for Champions Trophy 2025

Bangladesh vs India Head to Head

BAN vs IND Predicted Playing XI

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav/ Varun Chakravarthy, Mohammad Shami

BAN Playing XI

Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Jaker Ali, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmadullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Taskin Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Mustafizur Rahman 

See Also: AFG vs SA Dream11 Prediction

Bangladesh vs India Key Players

Mohammad Shami

Shami is back as the attack leader. His bowling did lack its usual bite in the previous game but with added responsibility on him he could get back to his wicket-taking best.

Mahmadullah

Mahmadullah continues to carry the batting line-up. He stepped up in the West Indies earlier last year and is a good batter down the order still. 

BAN vs IND Match Tips

India will start favorites with Bangladesh still looking inconsistent.

Match Prediction: India Will Win the Match

India's opening Champions Trophy match would have crumbled if the prince Subhman Gill wouldn't taken the command, he was supported by Kl Rahul who ensured India would par the line before any other wicket would commence. On a shiny day at Dubai International stadium Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. 

But things were not that good for Bangladesh when they opted to bat they lost quick three wickets before reaching the score of 50,Mohammad Shami opened the account of wickets. Soon spinners took control over the Tigers it was quite unpredictable to read the ball which was turning a bit. 

Poor fielding And Come Back Of Bangladesh

BBangladesh were in serious trouble where things changed dramatically where Axar hatrick chance was missed, which was dropped by Rohit Sharma at slips and within few minutes of time Hardik Pandaya drops a sitter catch of Zakir Ali. Both the drop catches of Jakir Ali and Towhid Hridoy proved costly to India where Ali went on to hit a half century. 

Read More : India Fielding Comes Under The Radar Where Hardik Drops A Sitter

Towhid Hridoy scored his maiden Champions Trophy century but Bangladesh couldn't able to utilise their partnership well because after their wickets no proper support remained and the tail was exposed which was easily driven out by Indian team. In their quota of 50 overs Bangladesh able to score 228 runs losing all their wickets. 

India Onto Chase And Subhman Gill To Rescue

 IIndia begin their chase under lights captain Rohit Sharma and Subhman Gill leading the command. Rohit was with his same intent of attacking cricket and Subhman Gill supporting his captain quietly, India soon reach the mark of 50 and the chase was looking easy. But Taskin had the reply he removed the dangerously looking Rohit Sharma for 41. Then entered the king Kohli who had a good comeback against England. Kohli was chipping the ball quietly waiting for his opportunities to score. 

But he too couldn't hold to much he got out at the score of 22 facing 38 balls which clearly depicts that he still couldn't able to figure it out. Soon Iyer too was departed but Gill never loosed his concentration he kept on playing and scoring his 50 at the other end wickets were crumbling, soon Axar departed making India in delibirate situation. But Rahul gave the key support to Gill. Both the batsman took the charge of chasing. Subhman Gill went on to make a fantastic century which was his first too in Champions Trophy

Read More : Dubai weather Plays Autonomy to Indian Team

Rahul too made well made 40 and kept the one end ticking ensuring no other falls from his side. India comfortably chased the target in 47 over and opened their account with the victory. India contained the unbeaten record by 6 and once again proved that chasing under the lights is quite easy. Subhman Gill was awarded with the man of the match award. India are going to face their arch rivals Pakistan on 23 February which will be a decider for Pakistan as they have lost the opener against New Zealand. 

India and Axar Patel have started the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 destructively as Bangladesh have suffered a nightmare beginning. Indian captain Rohit Sharma dropped Axar Patel’s deserving hat-trick chance and he was frustrated most with that missed chance.

India made a strong start in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 by picking up two wickets in the first two overs of the match after Bangladesh chose to bat first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Axar Patel took two back-to-back wickets in his first three balls

The left-arm spinner Axar Patel came to bowl in the match in the ninth over of Bangladesh's innings while the opposition already lost the first three wickets. Patel took his first wicket of the tournament only on his second ball as he dismissed the opener Tanzid Hasan for run-a-ball 25 runs. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul grabbed a good catch and confidently appealed while the umpire took his time before raising his finger, and Tanzid walked off the ground without challenging the decision after a discussion with the non-striker end partner Towhid Hridoy. 

Experienced Mushfiqur Rahim came to bat next, and Patel sent back him to the pavilion on the first challenge. Rahim faced Patel on the front foot and his thick edge found Rahul’s gloves. It was two in for Patel on his first three deliveries of the tournament. 

See Also: Dubai weather Plays Autonomy to Indian Team

Rohit Sharma dropped Axar Patel's hat-trick chance

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma set a tight fielding on Axar Patel’s hat-trick chance delivery for the new batter Jaker Ali. Ali fell into the trap and provided a thick edge at the first slip, which Rohit failed to grab. The Indian captain was disappointed with his drop as he slapped the field multiple times in his frustration. Rohit also said sorry for that big mistake.  

Tanzid ☝️
Mushfiqur☝️
Hattrick... Well, almost! 😮

📺📱 Start watching FREE on JioHotstar: https://t.co/dWSIZFgk0E#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 #INDvBAN, LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1 & Star Sports 1 Hindi! pic.twitter.com/5mn6Eqivci

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 20, 2025

Hosts and defending champions Pakistan had a tough outing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, and the situation has become tougher for them as the dependable and powerful opening batter Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out from the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also announced the replacement.

Fakhar Zaman was injured on the second ball of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

On the second ball of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman, who was the hero for Pakistan in the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 against India to lift the trophy for the first time, was injured while saving a boundary. After returning the ball to the closest fielder, Fakhar signaled for medical attention as he quickly went off the field. He missed the game for more than two hours before returning to the field in the late moment of the New Zealand innings. As a result, he couldn't come to bat for the first 25 minutes of Pakistan's innings.

Fakhar ultimately came to bat after the first powerplay, while the hosts lost the first two wickets. Chasing the 321-run target against New Zealand, Fakhar was struggling to run and mostly dealing with the boundaries. He scored 24 off 41 balls with four fours before losing his wicket. Pakistan lost the game by 60 runs. 

See Also: India Fielding Comes Under The Radar Where Hardik Drops A Sitter

Imam-ul-Haq replaced Fakhar Zaman

Fakhar has suffered an oblique injury, and he has been ruled out of the remainder of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has named Imam-ul-Haq as the replacement for the Pakistan opener. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved this replacement.

Fakhar and Imam were once the opening partners for the national team. The 29-year-old Imam-ul-Haq played his last international match in December 2023 when Pakistan faced the hosts Australia in the 2023 Boxing Day Test at Melbourne. The left-handed batter's last ODI was against South Africa in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. 

India, the two-time winners of the ICC Champions Trophy, started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey with a comfortable six-wicket win against Bangladesh in the Group A match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (February 20).

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to bat first after winning the toss. Bangladesh showed incredible fighting spirits by scoring 228 all out from 35/5, but India comfortably chased down the target in 46.3 overs after losing four wickets. While the right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami took a fifer, Shubman Gill scored the valuable unbeaten century.

Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali set up a memorable comeback from 35/5

India took two wickets in the first two overs of the match as Shami dismissed Soumya Sarkar (0) in the first over, and Harshit Rana took the wicket of the skipper Shanto (0) in the next over. Shami then dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) in the seventh over as Shubman Gill grabbed a superb catch at the slip. On his first three balls of the match, Axar Patel took back-to-back wickets of opener Tanzid Hasan (25) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0), but the left-arm spinner just missed out on a deserving ODI hat-trick as Rohit Sharma dropped Jake Ali at slip.  

Later, Hardik Pandya also dropped Towhid Hridoy at mid-off, and both Hridoy and Ali set up a great partnership to bring Bangladesh back into the game. From the tough situation, they built up a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which was also Bangladesh's highest ODI partnership for any wicket against India. 

Ultimately, Mohammed Shami broke that partnership by dismissing Ali for 68 runs (114 balls; four fours) in the 43rd over. Rishad Hossain (18 off 12 balls) had a little cameo before Harshit Rana took his wicket. Without any further partners' help, Hridoy desperately fought hard to guide Bangladesh to a challenging first innings total. Even though he was struggling with cramps, he refused to leave the field till the end. He ultimately scored his first ODI century and scored 100 off 118 balls (six fours and two sixes) at his dismissal, as Rana took his wicket to end the innings. Earlier, Shami completed his fifer by taking the wickets of Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0) and Taskin Ahmed (3).

Shami ended with the bowling figures of 10-0-53-5. Also, Harshit Rana (3/31) picked up three wickets and Axar Patel (2/43) got two wickets. 

Indian openers provided a strong start before facing tough questions

Chasing down the target, India had a good start as the openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill maintained their natural tempo. Before the Indian skipper Rohit was dismissed for 41 off 36 balls with seven fours in 9.5 overs, the openers had a 69-run partnership. However, after the first powerplay, the pitch became tougher for the batters, especially against the spinners and slower deliveries. 

After getting a cautious start, Virat Kohli lost his wicket to Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for 22 runs. Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8) fell cheaply, and the chasing status moved to the tense moment. While Gill was batting calmly, the other batters, especially new batters, were struggling to control the innings. KL Rahul also had a slow start, and he got big luck as Jaker Ali dropped him at deep square leg, and Rahul utilised that luck without any further hiccup. 

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul finished the game comfortably

Slowly but steadily, Gill and Rahul guided India to a comfortable win with their solid unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 87 runs. Rahul was not out for 41 off 47 balls with one four and two sixes, and the Player of the Match Gill scored 101 not out off 129 balls with nine fours and two sixes. It was Gill's eighth but one of the memorable ODI centuries. With this century, Gill also recorded four consecutive 50+ scores in ODI and two successive ODI centuries. 

Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Rishad Hossain (2/38) was excellent along with wicketless Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0/37), while Taskin Ahmed (1/36) and Mustafizur Rahman (1/62) bagged one wicket each. They surely missed one more spinner in the squad, which could make the game more interesting. 

As India have started their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami has once again shown his true caliber with a five-wicket haul. His bowling influenced the Indian team to control Bangladesh innings even their outstanding sixth wicket partnership.

In the Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Bangladesh chose to bat first against India. Bangladesh lost their first five wickets only for 35 runs in the ninth over, where Mohammed Shami took two wickets.

Mohammed Shami recorded a fifer

Later, Shami dismissed Jaker Ali for 68 runs, which broke the massive six-wicket partnership of 154 runs between Towhid Hridoy and Ali. Shami picked up two more wickets by dismissing Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0) and Taskin Ahmed (3) and ended the first innings with the bowling figures of 10-0-53-5. His bowling was a key reason for Bangladesh scoring 228 all out. It was Shami's first match in ICC Champions Trophy history, and he continued his familiar form in the ICC tournament. 

Also Watch: What Rohit Sharma does after dropping Axar Patel's deserving hat-trick chance?

Mohammed Shami set some incredible records during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener

In this match, Mohammed Shami created many records, and some of these records are as follows:

• Most wickets by an Indian in ICC ODI tournament history (60 wickets).
• Second fastest bowler to complete 200 ODI wickets.
• Recorded the second-best bowling figures by an Indian in ICC Champions Trophy history. 
• Extended own record for most four-wicket hauls in the premier ICC ODI tournament history (World Cup and Champions Trophy) with nine four-fers. 
• Extended own record for most fifers in the premier ICC ODI tournament history (World Cup and Champions Trophy) with five five-wicket hauls.

Undoubtedly, social media users have praised Mohammed Shami for his outstanding comeback in the ICC tournament. Here are some of the posts from X:

Well done @MdShami11 on your PANCH ka punch 🤛.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 20, 2025

SHAMI SHOW IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY! 🔥

Mohammed Shami breathes fire with the ball, claiming a sensational 5-wicket haul! 🎯💥

Take a bow, Shami! 🏏🔥#INDvsBAN | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/ywuRljCUmW

— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami – The Game Changer! 🔥😎#ICCChampionsTrophy #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/MdSGcHKdNr

— Jiyaul Khan (@JiyaulKhan_) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami. Mohammed
Whole year. During ICC
TOURNAMENTS pic.twitter.com/hz7yHalnuo

— POOJA DUBEY (@poojavdubey) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami – The Game Changer!

Meanwhile Fans right now 🙏❤️#ICCChampionsTrophy #IndvsBan#ChampionsTrophy2025 #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/80fl9KZont

— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) February 20, 2025

Shami is a true game-changer for India in ICC tournaments. His performance on the big stage is always top-notch! 🔥#ChampionsTrophy2025 #mohammedshami #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/pfm7LIOQya

— 𝑲𝒐𝒉𝒍𝒊 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔💤 (@hereforkohli18) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami.

He always has been overshadowed by Bumrah but guy kept giving his best for the country and has become one of greatest to play in ICC tournaments. I’m so happy that he’s getting the recognition he deserves now and he should continue this throughout. #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/hcEbBnO6UM

— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) February 20, 2025

Congratulations Mohammed Shami 🫡#IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/uHXFfxGtlY

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami be like...#IndvsBan #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/ExRqyzOuAf

— Chota Chapri 2.0 (@chota_chapri8) February 20, 2025

Mohammad Shami in every icc tournament #IndvsBan #mohammedshami #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/MGNiKOO4J9

— Shubham (@ShubhamRanga_) February 20, 2025

IND vs BAN – Match Details

Match: India vs Bangladesh (IND vs BAN)

Venue: Dubai International Stadium, UAE

Date & Time: 1:30 PM IST | 12:00 PM Local Time

Live Broadcast: Star Sports, Sports18

Live Streaming: JioHotstar App

IND vs BAN – Head-to-Head Stats

Champions Trophy Record

Matches Played: 1

India Won: 1

Bangladesh Won: 0

ODIs at Dubai International Stadium

Matches Played: 2

India Won: 2

Bangladesh Won: 0

Overall ODI Record

Matches Played: 41

India Won: 32

Bangladesh Won: 8

No Result: 1

Match Preview

India will play all their group-stage matches and potential knockout games (if they qualify) at the same venue. Dubai recently hosted 15 matches of the ILT20, and how the pitches behave could impact India's performance in the tournament.

If the pitches turn out to be slow, India's strategy of picking five spinners might give them an advantage. Experienced batters Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the top run scorers in the Champions Trophy among active players, will need to lead from the front if India wants to go all the way.

Bangladesh’s Challenge

Unlike some other teams, Bangladesh enters the tournament without injury concerns. While their recent 50-over form hasn’t been strong, they have a history of troubling top teams in ICC events.

Under captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh could be a surprise package. A couple of key wins might be enough for them to secure a spot in the next round. Veterans Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim bring valuable experience, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will lead the pace attack. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has been in fine form, could play a crucial role.

In the previous edition of the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh reached the semi-finals but lost to India in their only meeting in the tournament’s history.

Squads

Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudullah Riyad, Jaker Ali Anik (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Can Bangladesh pull off an upset, or will India maintain their dominant record? Stay tuned for live action!

The England squad has been declared by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially for their initial Group B fixture of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy to take place in Australia. Making an unexpected substitution, Jamie Smith steps back in to claim the wicket-keeping mantle from Phil Salt.
The English cricket team recently played Team India in a series of three ODIs on their way to the Champions Trophy.
ECB announces England's XI for match against Australia
England's inaugural match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy against Australia

ALSO SEE: Rohit Sharma records second fastest 11000 ODI runs

The Group B arch-rivals Australia and England will be played on Saturday, 22nd of February. The highly anticipated game will be hosted by the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma started the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament with his powerful batting, and the right-handed batter comfortably reached the 11000 ODI runs mark. He became the second fastest batter to complete 11000 ODI runs. 

After Bangladesh scored 228 runs after incredibly recovering from 35/5, it was important for India to make a good start in the tricky chase on a tougher batting pitch. Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill once again provided a good start for the Men in Blue. They set up a crucial 69-run partnership for the opening wicket, where the Indian skipper Rohit Sharma scored 41 off 36 balls before Taskin Ahmed dismissed him in the final over of the first powerplay. He hit seven fours in that impactful innings. 

See Also: Social media shower praises for unstoppable Mohammed Shami

Rohit Sharma completed 11000 ODI runs in 261 innings

Rohit Sharma was playing his 269th ODI match, as the right-handed batter was only 12 runs away to complete his 11000 ODI runs. While it was his 261st ODI innings, the right-handed batter comfortably completed 11000 ODI runs. By reaching 11000 ODI runs in 261 innings, Rohit recorded the second fastest 11000 ODI runs. While his teammate Virat Kohli holds the fastest record for 11000 ODI runs with only 222 innings, Rohit surpassed legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who took 276 ODI innings to reach this milestone. Now, three Indians hold the top three records for the fastest 11000 ODI runs.   

Fastest 11000 ODI runs

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testing time

Indian cricket has discovered yet another treasure in Harshit Rana, a promising fast bowler who has stormed the world of cricket with his stunning debut performances. In a rare and stunning achievement, Rana has taken three wickets on his debut in all formats and even the Champions Trophy, demonstrating his irrefutable talent and promise.

- 3 wickets on Test Debut.
- 3 wickets on T20I Debut.
- 3 wickets on ODI Debut.
- 3 wickets on Champions Trophy Debut.

HARSHIT RANA IS A STAR...!!!! ✨ pic.twitter.com/MZt5Qzkb4h

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 20, 2025

A Dream Start Across Formats
Impressing in one guise is hard enough, but impressing in all guises is a testament to Rana's ability and temperament. Whether it's the red-ball test of Test cricket, the pace of T20s, or the stress of international competitions like the Champions Trophy, he has performed every time.
Test Debut: 3 wickets, making an impression in the longest version of the game.
T20I Debut: 3 wickets in a hard-fought match.
ODI Debut: A match-winning spell that took 3 wickets.
Champions Trophy Debut: Once more, 3 wickets to leave a mark on the big stage.

ALSO SEE:  Social media shower praises for unstoppable Mohammed Shami

A Future Star of Indian Cricket
Harshit Rana's consistent performance indicates that India has unearthed a future pace leader. His capability to fit into varying conditions, bowl with speed and precision, and play under pressure situations gives the team reasons to look ahead.
With his incredible beginning, Rana has already etched his name in cricket history. If he maintains the same course, Indian cricket supporters can hope to see a new fast-bowling superstar being born.

Star Indian pacer Mohammed Shami is on fire for India in the Champions Trophy 2025 Group A match against Bangladesh being played at present at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Shami, in his first-ever Champions Trophy match for the Men in Blue, has picked up three wickets till now for the Rohit Sharma-led side. The third wicket of the second game of the Champions Trophy 2025 has made history for Shami, as he has now emerged as India's most successful white-ball bowler in ICC events.

- Most wickets for India in ICC events.
- 2nd fastest to 200 ODI wickets.

MOHAMMAD SHAMI - ONE OF MODERN DAY LEGEND...!!! 🤯🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/5oI5QX9ffn

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Fakhar Zaman ruled out, Pakistan announce replacement

Shami has bowled out a record 72 Indian batsmen in ICC tournaments (Champions Trophy, T20 World Cup, ODI World Cup).  The 34-year-old fast bowler has 55 ODI World Cup wickets to his name from 18 matches, 14 wickets from 14 matches of the T20 World Cup, and three wickets from a single Champions Trophy match till now. Shami and Zaheer stand second in the top list of Indian bowlers with the most wickets in ICC white-ball cricket, following which are Jasprit Bumrah (68 wickets), Ravindra Jadeja (65 wickets), and Ravichandran Ashwin (59 wickets). Shami surpassed Zaheer Khan's record of 71 wickets. During his playing career, the left-arm seamer claimed 44 wickets in 23 ODI World Cups, 15 wickets in nine Champions Trophy games, and 12 wickets in 12 T20 World Cups.

Its the second match of Champions Trophy where India are facing Bangladesh in Dubai International Stadium, Bangladesh has opted to bat first and they losted the wickets in a quick session where they lost 3 wickets in 50 runs. Shami and Axar Patel provided the necessary breakthrough which India needed. But at the same time where India showed great in field, 

Suddenly in quick session they lost the track where Rohit Sharma dropped a sitter on denying Axar Patel hatrick where after dropping the catch he spat his hands three times and asked sorry with the folded hands to Axar Patel. The incident was not yet over another incident took place

Read More : Dubai weather Plays Autonomy to Indian Team

Hardik drops A Sitter

It was 20th over of the match where Kuldeep Yadav was bowling his first spell, it was the last ball of the over batter Zaker Ali lofted a shot over mid wicket which straightly went to Hardik Pandaya but he dropped the catch by force. It was just unbelievable scene in the stadium where Indian fielders dropping their second catch of the day. 

Both batsmans Towhid Hridoy and Zaker Ali were dropped at certain point which is proving costly to India because both the batsman has scored their 50s and moving on to big target. Now its upto time how much damage this batsman will do as already Bangladesh have scored 162 runs with the loss of 5 wickets. India has to cover the damage soon otherwise it will be harder for them to gain. 

India asserted strong dominance over the match, leaving Bangladesh at 39/5 in 10 overs. Mohammed Shami, Harshit Rana, and Axar Patel have put Bangladesh's opening batsmen out of action. The Men in Blue's aggressive bowling performance has kept Bangladesh from finding any rhythm. The most discussed incident of the match so far was in the ninth over when Axar Patel was just one wicket short of a hat-trick.

What Could Have Happen:

If Axar Patel gets his hat trick, then:

A rare miss, a costly moment!

📸: JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/xyF3EsQT1N

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 20, 2025

ALSO SEE:  Md Shami Creates History with a New Bowling Record

Rohit allows a sitter to prevent Axar Patel's hat trick
Having dismissed Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim in successive deliveries, the left-arm spinner had an opportunity to produce a rare Champions Trophy hat-trick. His next ball hit the edge of the bat of Jaker Ali, but Rohit Sharma at slip dropped a simple catch, allowing the batter off the hook.
Axar Patel's hat-trick fantasy was crushed by Rohit's expensive miss, leaving the Indian spinner visibly upset. A hat-trick would have been a tournament history moment, but the chance went away from India's hands. Still, Axar has been deadly with the ball, keeping Bangladesh under pressure.