Hardik dismisses Babar Azam: The much-anticipated match between India and Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy has begun and the Blues have kicked off on a high note. All-rounder Hardik Pandya just picked up the big wicket of former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and now has a big advantage early on in the match. Considering the fact that the right-handed opener was playing some nice shots and seemed to be in form, it’s a major loss for Pakistan because their fans had high hopes for Babar.
The situation in which Babar Azam was dismissed portrays how important his wicket was for India. The Pak veteran hit a four on the first delivery of the 9th over against Hardik Pandya. It was his 5th boundary in his short-lived knock. On the very next delivery, he misjudged Hardik’s off-swinger and gave away a huge edge, which was caught easily behind by KL Rahul. Hardik Pandya celebrated by gesturing with his hands as if he were chirping—a well-fitting revenge on the very next delivery.
However, it must be noted that Team India have not been the most perfect team so far in this game and they have been committing a number of mistakes. Mohammed Shami, for instance, gave away 5 wide balls in the first over of the match. Moreover, just after the dismissal of Babar Azam, India had the opportunity to pick another quick wicket.
𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘿𝙄𝙆 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙋𝙎 𝙐𝙋, 𝘽𝘼𝘽𝘼𝙍 𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙋𝙎 𝙊𝙐𝙏! 💥🎯
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 23, 2025
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
Saud Shakil, who came in to replace Babar, nicked one behind on the leg side and it could be easily caught by KL Rahul. Unfortunately, it did not carry well and he was unable to catch it. Hardik Pandya could have picked up two back-to-back wickets otherwise.
Also Read: Stuart Binny and Yusuf Pathan play fabulously against Sri Lanka Masters
