A Cold-Blooded Send-Off: Hardik Pandya Waves ‘Bye-Bye’ to Babar Azam as Tensions Rise in CT 2025 Showdown

Team India got off to a strong start in their highly-anticipated match against arch-rivals Pakistan, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya making a crucial breakthrough by dismissing star batsman Babar Azam. Babar, who was in fine form after scoring a half-century in Pakistan's last match, was looking dangerous as he hit five boundaries to reach 23 off 24 balls. However, Hardik's delivery forced Babar to edge the ball to the wicketkeeper, leading to his early exit from the crease.

Babar had been severely criticised by former cricketers and fans in Pakistan for his slow knock against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener earlier this week. Chasing 321, Babar reached his half-century in 81 deliveries, and eventually scored 64 off 90 deliveries. However, on Sunday, Babar played with intent, taking on the Indian bowlers early in the innings.

He displayed a range of shots and also unfurled his trademark cover drive against Hardik Pandya, but in the ninth over of the innings, Hardik Pandya adjusted his length, pulling it back and keeping it outside off. There wasn’t much movement, but it was enough to lure Babar Azam into a drive.

The Pakistan opener, believing the cover drive was on, pushed at it, only to get a faint edge. KL Rahul, sharp behind the stumps, moved swiftly to his right and took a low catch.

As the Indian fielders erupted in celebration, Hardik added a touch of drama, gesturing a cheeky ‘bye-bye’ send-off to his counterpart.

Watch:

This was how the wicket fell:

In the very next over, Pakistan endured another setback as Imam-ul-Haq, the opener who replaced an injured Fakhar Zaman in the XI, was run out, courtesy of a direct hit from Axar Patel.

Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and opted to bat in Dubai, and while Imam's inclusion was the only change in Pakistan's side, India went unchanged for the blockbuster clash.

Rohit Sharma's men made a brilliant start to their Champions Trophy campaign earlier this week, defeating Bangladesh by six wickets in a comprehensive win at the same venue.

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