India faces Bangladesh in the Champions Trophy. Key players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mustafizur Rahman pose a threat. India’s Dubai record is strong.
The Indian cricket team is set to begin its Champions Trophy campaign with a match against Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a team that has troubled India in the past, so the Indian team will avoid complacency. Several Bangladesh players could pose a threat to India.
India will face Bangladesh in their first match of the Champions Trophy. While Rohit Sharma’s Indian team is considered stronger, Bangladesh cannot be underestimated. They previously defeated India in the 2007 ODI World Cup, contributing to India’s early exit from the tournament.
Key Players to Watch
The Indian team remembers Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s performance. On December 7, 2022, in Mirpur, he scored a century batting at number eight, helping Bangladesh reach a total of 271. Bangladesh won the match by five runs. Miraz is a threat with both his off-spin bowling and his batting.
Mustafizur Rahman, a left-arm fast bowler, has troubled India in the past. His swing and accurate yorkers in the death overs can create problems for Indian batsmen. The Indian batsmen will need to be cautious against Rahman in the initial overs.
Najmul Hasan Shanto is another player to watch out for.
Champions Trophy 2025 Details
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan, will commence on February 19, with the final scheduled for March 9. The opening match will be between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi.
India will play its first match on February 20 against Bangladesh. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the Indian team will not travel to Pakistan. Consequently, the tournament will be conducted under a hybrid model.
India will play all its matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. India’s second match is against Pakistan on February 23. The team’s final group stage match will be against New Zealand on March 2.
India’s Record in Dubai
India has an impressive record in the ODI format at the Dubai stadium. The team has not lost a single ODI match at this venue. In 6 matches played here, India has won 5 and tied 1 (against Afghanistan). India has defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh twice each at this ground, and Hong Kong once. All these matches were played during the Asia Cup in September 2018, where India won the title by defeating Bangladesh in the final.
Tournament Format
The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature 8 teams playing a total of 15 matches. The teams are divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Group B comprises South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, and England.
Each team will play three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. The first semi-final will be held in Dubai, while the second will be in Lahore. The final will be played in either Dubai or Lahore.
A team reaching the final will play a total of 5 matches in the tournament.
The 15 matches will be held across four venues, with three in Pakistan and one in Dubai. India will play all its matches in Dubai. If India qualifies for the final, it will also be held in Dubai; otherwise, the final will be played in Lahore on March 9.
Reserve days are allocated for the semi-finals and final.
Champions Trophy Groups
Group A: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Group B: South Africa, Australia, Afghanistan, England
Champions Trophy Schedule
February 19: Pakistan vs. New Zealand, Karachi
February 20: Bangladesh vs. India, Dubai
February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Karachi
February 22: Australia vs. England, Lahore
February 23: Pakistan vs. India, Dubai
February 24: Bangladesh vs. New Zealand, Rawalpindi
February 25: Australia vs. South Africa, Rawalpindi
February 26: Afghanistan vs. England, Lahore
February 27: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh, Rawalpindi
February 28: Afghanistan vs. Australia, Lahore
March 1: South Africa vs. England, Karachi
March 2: New Zealand vs. India, Dubai
March 4: Semi-Final 1, Dubai
March 5: Semi-Final 2, Lahore
March 9: Final, Lahore (or Dubai if India qualifies)
March 10: Reserve Day
Match Expectations
The Champions Trophy begins on February 19. India will play its first match against Bangladesh on February 20. While India may seem to have an advantage, Bangladesh has performed well in their last 5 encounters. There are 5 Bangladesh players India needs to be wary of.
Sources: https://www.jagran.com/cricket/headlines-champions-trophy-2025-bangladesh-5-players-to-watch-out-against-india-ind-vs-ban-23886668.html
https://www.aajtak.in/sports/cricket/story/team-india-record-in-dubai-international-cricket-stadium-icc-champions-trophy-2025-pitch-report-ind-vs-pak-match-tspos-dskc-2169631-2025-02-18
https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/cricket-news/champions-trophy-5-bangladesh-players-who-can-put-team-india-in-danger-in-ind-vs-ban-match-in-dubai/articleshow/118373895.cms