The world’s top ODI batsman Babar Azam faced a setback during the crucial Asia Cup encounter between India and Pakistan. With a challenging target of 357 runs to chase after the early dismissal of Imam-ul Haq, Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, found himself at the crease. While Pakistan wanted a captain’s strike from him, he failed to deliver in this match and Hardik Pandya dismissed him for 10 off 24 balls with a brilliant opening delivery.

Hardik executed a great strategy to get rid of the big fish Babar Azam. After two consecutive outswingers, Pandya delivered the third ball as an inswinger which was slightly shorter. However, it was the fourth delivery that led to Babar being dismissed as he came back sharply after a pitch in a similar area.

Babar Azam’s firing video goes viral on social media:

Soon after Babar’s wicket, the rain returned to the R Premadasa Stadium again in this Super Four match in Colombo in a match that is already on reserve day. Fortunately, it was a short delay and the match continued without a reduction in overs and Pakistan’s target of 357 intact. As soon as the 20 mark was crossed over Pakistan’s chase, the Indian fans breathed a sigh of relief as the result was now assured with India seemingly leading the match by miles.

This is the second match of the IND vs PAK 2023 Asia Cup whose group stage clash ended in a draw at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. There is a possibility of another IND-PAK match in this continental tournament if both these teams reach the summit clash to be played in Colombo on September 17.