September 2025, Dubai - Hardik Pandya was at the center of attention during India’s blockbuster clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the Champions Trophy 2025, contributing to India's early advantage with a fiery performance. On the ninth over of Pakistan's innings, Pandya made his mark by dismissing star batter Babar Azam, who had seemed set for a big score, establishing India’s dominance early on.
The moment came after Pandya had bowled his first over with mixed results, claiming one run more than expected from his first delivery. Nevertheless, Indian captain Rohit Sharma made the tactical decision to bring Pandya back for another over, which instantly paid off. After conceding four runs on the first ball of his over, Pandya found Babar's outside edge with his next delivery, sending the ball to wicketkeeper KL Rahul, who took the catch with precision.
With Babar’s wicket, who had scored 23 runs off 24 balls including five boundaries, Pakistan was left reeling. Pandya followed this dismissal with a dramatic send-off gesture to Babar, prompting reactions across social media as supporters and critics alike shared mixed feelings about his animated farewell. "Bye-bye!" he seemed to suggest, adding spice to the already heated rivalry between the two nations.
After Babar’s departure, Pakistan's innings continued to falter. Just one over later, Axar Patel contributed to their plight by producing a sensational direct hit to run out Imam-ul-Haq for just 10 runs. With two early wickets down, Pakistan struggled to maintain momentum, reeling at 47 runs for the loss of two wickets within just 10 overs.
Pakistan had entered this match with high hopes after losing their previous game to New Zealand. Winning this matchup was pivotal for their chances of advancing in the tournament. Mohammad Rizwan, the captain, had won the toss and elected to bat first, but as the match unfolded, it became evident this decision did not yield the desired results.
Pandya's confidence following his recent successes was palpable. Having been named captain of the Mumbai Indians for the IPL season prior to the tournament, he had faced significant scrutiny from fans. His previous achievements, including leading Gujarat Titans and playing valuable roles for the Indian cricket team, had established him as one of the players to watch. Earlier, he noted how he felt he had regained the fans' support following India's T20 World Cup victory.
Reflecting on his role as the team approached the Champions Trophy, Pandya expressed optimism. "It’s all about new beginnings. This tournament is another chance to show our best," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to help lead India to victory once again.
With India already securing their place in the semi-finals with their previous win over Bangladesh, the stakes were high. They were hungry for another win, and the start against Pakistan was ideal for getting their momentum rolling as they aimed to overcome recent challenges and reclaim their place as champions.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's batting lineup struggled to settle after the loss of their top order. After Babar’s wicket, pressure mounted on Mohammad Rizwan and the remaining batsmen to consolidate and put together a competitive total. The Indian bowling was relentless, and with Pandya energized and firing on all cylinders, the hopes of the Pakistani team began to slip away.
This Champions Trophy match, being held at the renowned Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was charged with electric atmosphere as fans from both nations filled the stands, chanting and cheering vigorously for their teams. The strategic decisions from both teams, such as Rohit Sharma's early call to utilize Pandya effectively, were under scrutiny as the match unfolded.
Pandya’s contribution during this match underlined his importance to the Indian squad. His ability to perform under pressure and get key wickets at moments of need showcased why he is regarded as one of India's frontline all-rounders. His dismissing Babar Azam, who had been heavily criticized for his slow batting performance against New Zealand, was poetic justice, both for Pandya and the Indian team's ambitions.
Historically, their encounters have been nail-biters, thick with tension and fervor, and this match continued the tradition, though India had the momentum early thanks to Pandya's impressive bowling and aggressive send-off.
With the match still bringing excitement, the cricket fans across the globe were glued to their screens, eagerly waiting to see if India could maintain this pressure and secure yet another victory over Pakistan, reinforcing their dominance in cricket's biggest rivalry.
This latest performance by Pandya adds yet another chapter to his career, marking him as not just another player, but one who rises to the occasion when it counts most.