WATCH: Hardik Pandya gives massive send-off to Babar Azam after dismissing him for 23

Pakistan made a good start to their innings after winning the toss and opting to bat first against India in the Champions Trophy 2025. Former skipper Babar Azam, who was called out for his slow scoring in the last match, was in his element with the bat early in the innings. The 30-year-old play a few delightful shots to put the Indian bowlers under pressure. 

Just when the former Pakistan skipper looked like getting a big score, Hardik Pandya dashed those hopes. The Indian all-rounder came in to bowl the second ball of the ninth over that moved away at the last moment. The ball took the edge of Babar’s bat and KL Rahul made no mistake in taking the catch. 

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𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘿𝙄𝙆 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙋𝙎 𝙐𝙋, 𝘽𝘼𝘽𝘼𝙍 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙋𝙎 𝙊𝙐𝙏! 💥🎯

India gets the breakthrough as @hardikpandya7 forces the edge, and Babar Azam has to walk back! Game-changing moment? 🤯🔥#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉 🇮🇳 🆚 🇵🇰 | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi,… pic.twitter.com/PyRBhJQeXb

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2025

It was a huge wicket for India, who saw Mohammed Shami walk off the field due to a slight niggle. After getting Babar’s wicket, Pandya gave him a send-off as he waved the batter ‘bye-bye.’ Babar had scored his 23 runs from 26 balls with the help of five boundaries and added 42 runs for the first wicket with Imam Ul Haq. 

Pakistan start strong in must-win match vs India 

Mohammad Rizwan had no hesitation in opting to bat first after winning the toss. The first over saw six runs being scored as Mohammed Shami bowled four wide balls, who was looking troubled for some reason. The 34-year-old then made his way off the field after just three overs. Harshit Rana’s opening over produced just four runs as the Pakistanis made a steady start with the bat. 

It was in the fourth over of the game that Babar came to life with two fours against Rana. The first boundary was a classy flick that sped for four and then followed it up with a terrific cover drive. Pakistan fans were happy to see their star batter showing glimpses of his old self with the bat in hand. 

Imam Ul Haq, on the other hand, was struggling to get going, putting pressure on his partner. Babar began Pandya’s over with a terrific push through the covers that went for four. The Indian star had the last laugh as he got the key wicket to silence the crowd and give his team a huge opening in the game.