IND vs PAK | Twitter reacts to Hardik's epic send-off after winning the intense face-off against Babar Azam

ByArijit Kundu,SportsCafe Editor

02/23/2025

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A player’s performance is often determined by the ability to show up when the team needed the most. Hardik Pandya did the same in the high-voltage clash of the 2025 Champions Trophy between India and Pakistan after having the last laugh against Babar Azam followed by a fiery send-off.

‌Rohit Sharma’s toss woes in the ODI format continued with Mohammad Rizwan, the Pakistan captain opting to bat first in the arch-rival clash. Following a cautious start from openers Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, the former cashed on any opportunity and earned boundaries against Harshit Rana, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya. When he seemed set for a big score, the Indian pace bowling all-rounder thwarted Babar’s plans and added salt to injury with a send-off of his win.

After dishing a fuller delivery wide outside the stumps on the first ball of the ninth over, Hardik dragged the length back and rectified his line around the fifth stump mark. Babar was drawn at it for a drive and got the outside edge en route to the wicketkeeper. KL Rahul, behind the stumps, dived to his right and vouchsafed the white cherry firmly, offering India their first breakthrough. Subsequently, Hardik gestured goodbye at Babar before widening his arms and flapping like a bird, sparking the Twitterverse into a frenzy.

Bye Bye!!!!😂

— ashik (@ashik1587212)

What a Breakthrough wicket!

My Glorious King

Hardik Pandya The GOAT 🗣️🔥🔥🔥
— Kix (@Kix_posts)

Lol!!

Hardik Pandya saying 'Bye, Bye' to Babar Azam. 😂🔥
— Radhe Pareek 🇮🇳 (@radhepareek037)

Kung Fu Panda!!

We don't need Bumrah to get Babar azam. 2023 Asia Cup, 2023 world cup, 2025 champions trophy, Babar azam is hardik pandya's bunny
— Sravan Kumar Nambi (@SravanKumar0404)

Bye Bye babar!