Bangladesh Makes a Comeback from the Brink of Collapse

Sports Desk

In their opening match against India in the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh staged a remarkable recovery from near-collapse. After winning the toss and choosing to bat at Dubai Sports City, Bangladesh found themselves in dire straits, losing five wickets for just 36 runs. However, a brilliant century from Touhid Hridoy and a valiant 67-run innings from Zakir Ali helped the team reach a total of 228, all out in 49.4 overs.

The partnership between Touhid Hridoy and Zakir Ali on the sixth wicket turned the game around. Despite some close chances, including a dropped catch by Rohit Sharma off Zakir Ali and another by Hardik Pandya off Hridoy, Bangladesh managed to avoid further embarrassment and built a competitive total.

The opening phase of Bangladesh’s innings was disastrous, with opener Soumya Sarkar and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto both dismissed without scoring. Soumya was dismissed by Mohammed Shami, while Shanto was caught by Virat Kohli off a delivery from Harshit Rana, leaving Bangladesh at a dismal 2/2.

The situation worsened as Mehedi Hasan Miraz was dismissed for just a single, making the score 26/3. Then, left-arm spinner Axar Patel struck twice in quick succession, removing Tanzid Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim, as Bangladesh slipped to 35/5.

However, a missed catch by Rohit Sharma off Zakir Ali allowed Bangladesh to regroup. From that point, Hridoy and Zakir Ali played cautiously but confidently, putting on a partnership of 154 runs.

The stand was eventually broken at 189, as Shami took Zakir Ali’s wicket. Zakir’s knock consisted of 67 runs off 114 balls, including four boundaries. Despite the loss of Zakir, Hridoy carried on and scored his first-ever century, finishing with a crucial 100 runs, which included six fours and two sixes.

India’s Mohammad Shami was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets for 53 runs.