Hardik Pandya gave a playful send-off to Babar Azam in the high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan started steadily, but Pandya shifted the momentum in India's favor with a crucial breakthrough in the ninth over.
The Baroda allrounder conceded a boundary off his first over against Babar after a bowling on the fourth stump. However, Pandya got back at the opening batter with a moving delivery that caught the outside edge and went straight into the hands of keeper KL Rahul. As Babar walked off after making 23 0ff 26 balls, Pandya made a gesture as if saying a ‘Good Bye’.
Following Bbar's dismissal India managed to pick up second wicket in no time with Imam Ul Haq heading back to pavilion courtesy of exceptional fielding skills from Indian all-rounder Axar Patel.
Patel, who was fielding at mid-on, quickly reacted to a firm push by Haq, sprinting towards the non-striker's end with incredible speed and agility. With Haq struggling to make it back to the crease, Patel's accurate throw found its way to the stumps.
