Bangladesh has officially kicked off its Champions Trophy campaign with a match against India.
At the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday (February 20), Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and opted to bat first.
Despite India being considered the stronger side, the Tigers are confident in their abilities. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto expressed his optimism, "Our squad is well-balanced in this format. We believe we can beat any team in this tournament. Every team has the potential to win the title. I don't focus too much on the opposition—if we execute our game plan properly, we can win against anyone on any given day."
Meanwhile, India, one of the tournament favourites, is determined to start with a victory.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of a strong start, stating, "Getting off to a good start is crucial for us. Every player knows their role and what needs to be done. We are clear on our objectives and will move forward accordingly."