India will kick off their Champions Trophy journey in Dubai on February 20, facing Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi team is feeling confident, making it clear that they are not to be underestimated.

India is in Group A, along with Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. All their matches will be held in Dubai, even though Pakistan is officially hosting the tournament. This unique setup came about after India chose not to send its team to Pakistan. As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India worked together to create a hybrid format. Matches in Pakistan will take place in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi.
The most anticipated match is certainly the India vs Pakistan clash on February 23. However, India is focused on starting strong against Bangladesh. The team recently dominated England with a 3-0 series victory at home and hopes to carry that momentum into the tournament.
Bangladesh’s captain, Shanto, expressed that his team aims to surprise the favorites. “We’re heading to the Champions Trophy to become champions,” he said in an interview with the ICC website. He highlighted that every team in the tournament deserves to win, noting they are all strong competitors. Shanto believes in his team’s ability and insists that pressure won’t hinder their performance. “We are working hard and doing our best,” he affirmed.
After opening against India, Bangladesh is set to face New Zealand in Rawalpindi on February 24. Following that, they’ll match up against Pakistan on February 27. Despite a tough year in ODIs, with only one series win against Sri Lanka since March, Shanto feels positive. He has trust in his squad of 15 players, who he believes can change a game’s outcome single-handedly.
Shanto also praised the growth of Bangladesh’s bowling resources, emphasizing the team’s newfound balance. “Not long ago, we lacked quality pace bowlers, but now we have a strong unit,” he noted. With wrist spinners now on board as well, he feels confident that the team can compete effectively with any opponent. “If everyone fulfills their responsibilities properly, we can defeat any team at any time,” he concluded.
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