Champions Trophy: "Missing Out Was Tough, But Comeback Feels Sweeter" – Shami After Five-Wicket Haul
Dubai [UAE], February 21: Indian pacer Mohammed Shami marked his return to international cricket in style, picking up a match-winning five-wicket haul (5/53) in India’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener.
Shami, who was playing his first international tournament after 14 months, opened up about the challenges of making a comeback and how he missed being part of the team during crucial moments.
“It was very difficult when you make a comeback; you start everything afresh. It was a break of 14 months, and I was lucky to have domestic matches under my belt to get back,” Shami said in the post-match press conference.
“In close matches, sitting at home, you miss being with your team and feel like, ‘I wish I was there to contribute,'” he added.
Opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s top order collapsed, finding themselves at 35/5, before Towhid Hridoy (100 off 117) and Jaker Ali (68 off 114) stitched a crucial 154-run stand, helping their side reach 228 all out in 49.4 overs.
Shami led India’s charge with figures of 5/53, reaching 200 ODI wickets in the process. Harshit Rana (3/31) and Axar Patel (2/43) provided valuable support.
In the chase, India got off to a solid start, with Rohit Sharma (41 off 36) and Shubman Gill adding 69 runs for the first wicket. After a few hiccups in the middle overs, Gill (101 off 129)* and KL Rahul (41 off 47)* guided India home comfortably in 47.3 overs.
“Gill, we know his class. Should not surprise anyone. It was good to see him bat till the end. Might take him for dinner tomorrow (smiles),” Rohit Sharma quipped after the match.
With this victory, India moves to the top of Group A and gears up for their highly anticipated clash against Pakistan on February 23 in Dubai.
India vs Bangladesh, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Mohammed Shami five-wicket haul, Shubman Gill century, Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Team India, Bangladesh cricket, Dubai, cricket news
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