The UAE leg of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 commences with an encounter between India and Bangladesh.

India, the finalists at the most recent edition of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and winners of last year's ICC Men's T20 World Cup, will look to make an impact in the ICC Men's Champions Trophy from the word go, by getting one over Bangladesh in their tournament starter.

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The side are no strangers to success in the global event, having previously secured title wins in 2002 (co-winners with Sri Lanka), and 2013.

But this time around, Rohit Sharma's side will be without their finest bowling asset, Jasprit Bumrah, and have banked on a spin-heavy setup to get the job done for them in the tournament.

Their opponents first-up are also good exponents of spin, and have the capacity to dish out a surprise in big events. The Tigers will take inspiration from their 2007 heroics against India, and will back their experienced players to come good on Thursday.

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HIGHLIGHTS

*India have a significant advantage over Bangladesh in head-to-head contests in ODIs, with the Men in Blue boasting 32 wins in 41 meetings in contrast to the Tigers' eight. One meeting between the sides ended in a No Result.

*Bangladesh, however, hold the upper hand in their last five meetings with India, winning three, including a victory in the 2023 Asia Cup, compared to India's two.

*At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium – the venue for the contest – the two sides met twice, both in the 2018 Asia Cup. India won both encounters, including the final.

*Virat Kohli has the most runs in India-Bangladesh contests, amassing 910 runs in 16 matches at an average of 75.83 and a strike-rate of 101.78. The maestro boasts five hundreds and three half-centuries against the Tigers. India skipper Rohit Sharma seconds that list with 786 runs in 17 matches. All his three centuries against the Tigers have come in ICC events (2015 World Cup, 2017 Champions Trophy, and the 2019 World Cup).

*Amongst active Bangladesh players, Mushfiqur Rahim has the most runs against India, scoring 703 runs in 26 matches at an average of 31.95. He has also played the most India-Bangladesh matches amongst players from both sides.

*With the ball, Mustafizur Rahman has the most wickets in India-Bangladesh contests amongst active players – 25 scalps in 12 matches.