Hardik Pandya’s chilling ‘bye-bye’ send-off to Babar Azam rattles Pakistan star in CT 2025 showdown

Babar faced severe criticism from former cricketers and fans in Pakistan for his slow innings in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand. He took 81 deliveries to reach his half-century and scored 64 off 90 deliveries. However, in the match against India on Sunday, Babar showed a different approach by playing aggressively from the start and taking on the Indian bowlers.

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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