Towhid smashes a century as Bangladesh recovers from 35-5 to post 228 against India

Towhid Hridoy Smashes Maiden ODI Century as Bangladesh Recovers to 228 Against India

Towhid Hridoy struck his first ODI century and, alongside Jaker Ali, helped Bangladesh recover from 35-5 to post 228 against India in their Champions Trophy opener on Thursday in Dubai.

India’s pace ace Mohammed Shami delivered a stellar performance, claiming 5-53 after Bangladesh opted to bat first but found themselves in deep trouble, losing half their side by the ninth over.

Towhid (100) and Jaker (68) stitched together a crucial 154-run stand, aided by sloppy Indian fielding, including two dropped catches. Despite battling cramps, Towhid reached his century, acknowledging the sparse crowd before his dismissal as Bangladesh folded in 49.4 overs.

Shami struck early, removing Soumya Sarkar for a five-ball duck, while debutant Harshit Rana dismissed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, also for a duck, with Virat Kohli taking a sharp catch at cover-point. Mehidy Hasan Miraz followed soon after, falling to Shami as Shubman Gill grabbed a sharp catch at slip.

Axar Patel struck twice in two deliveries in the ninth over, dismissing Tanzid Hasan (25) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0), reducing Bangladesh to 35-5. Axar nearly bagged a hat-trick, but Rohit Sharma dropped Jaker Ali at first slip, sparking frustration and a wry smile from the Indian captain.

Jaker and Towhid made the most of their chances, with Jaker surviving another lifeline at 24 when KL Rahul missed a stumping. Towhid was also given a reprieve on 23 after Hardik Pandya dropped him at mid-off.

Jaker reached his second ODI fifty, while Towhid brought up his half-century with a boundary. Shami eventually dismissed Jaker, but Towhid continued the fight before his gritty 118-ball knock, featuring six fours and two sixes, came to an end.

India, considered title favorites, are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan and New Zealand.