Pandya’s strategy was clever. After seeing Babar’s aggressive play, he adjusted his length and bowled a ball just outside the off-stump in the ninth over. While the pitch offered little movement, it was enough to tempt Babar into playing a cover drive.

Babar Azam was the first Pakistani batter to be dismissed against India on Sunday when Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul combined to end his innings in the ninth over of the powerplay

Hardik Pandya dismissed Babar Azam early and gave the Pakistan batter a send-off during the Champions Trophy clash in Dubai.

The blockbuster India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai witnessed Hardik Pandya playing a key role in setting the tone early on. The Indian all-rounder not only picked up the crucial wicket of Pakistan batter Babar Azam but also gestured a sarcastic 'bye-bye' send-off.