Dubai, February 20, 2025 – Bangladesh’s promising middle-order batter, Towhid Hridoy, showcased a stellar performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scoring his maiden ODI century against India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. His knock of 100 runs off 114 balls proved crucial in helping Bangladesh post a fighting total of 228/8 in 48.1 overs.
Hridoy’s Resilient Knock Under Pressure
Bangladesh got off to a disastrous start after winning the toss and electing to bat first. The top order collapsed quickly, with Soumya Sarkar (0), Najmul Hossain Shanto (0), and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) departing early. At 35/5 in just 8.3 overs, Bangladesh was struggling when Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali stitched together a crucial 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Hridoy, battling cramps towards the latter part of his innings, played with determination and patience. He struck six boundaries and two sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 87.72. His innings was a masterclass in controlling aggression, rotating strike, and capitalizing on loose deliveries.
Key Moments of Towhid Hridoy’s Innings
| Milestone | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Reached 50 | 50 | 74 |
| Entered Nervous 90s | 90 | 105 |
| Completed Century | 100 | 114 |
Hridoy suffered cramps multiple times but managed to carry on, diving full length to complete singles and ensuring he stayed till the end. His resilience earned applause from both teammates and cricket experts.
India’s Bowling Performance
India’s bowlers dominated in the early stages, especially Mohammed Shami, who took 4 wickets for 53 runs in 9.1 overs. Harshit Rana (2/31) and Axar Patel (2/43) also contributed effectively, restricting Bangladesh’s scoring rate. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja went wicketless despite economical spells.
Bangladesh’s Final Score & Next Steps
Bangladesh finished at 228/8 in 48.1 overs, with Hridoy remaining unbeaten on 100 alongside Taskin Ahmed (3*). The total might not seem overwhelming, but given the slow nature of the Dubai pitch, it could challenge the Indian batting lineup.
With a target of 229, India now faces the challenge of countering Bangladesh’s bowlers under lights. Can Bangladesh defend this total and start their Champions Trophy campaign with a victory?
What Experts Say About Hridoy’s Innings
Former cricketer Parthiv Patel praised Hridoy’s temperament, saying, “Hridoy deserves a long run in Bangladesh’s middle order. His composure under pressure was commendable.”
Zaheer Khan highlighted the importance of Shami’s spell, mentioning, “Shami’s comeback is impressive, but Bangladesh has put up a fighting total, all thanks to Hridoy.”
