IND vs PAK: Watch - Hardik Pandya Bizarrely Talks With Ball Before Dismissing Imam-ul-Haq

Hardik Pandya, on Saturday (October 14), gave India a huge breakthrough by ending Imam-ul-Haq’s promising knock in the ongoing India vs Pakistan match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first. In reply, Pakistan made a steady start. Abdullah Shafique and Imam added 41 runs for the first wicket before Mohammed Siraj dismissed the former to give India the much-needed early breakthrough.

Imam and captain Babar Azam then steadied the ship for a while before Rohit Sharma introduced Hardik Pandya in the attack and the move paid off immediately. In his third over, he dismissed Imam to reduce Pakistan to 73 for 2. The India allrounder bowled a length delivery outside the off stump and the Pakistan opener went for a drive. However, he could only edge the ball behind the stumps where KL Rahul took a good catch.

Hardik Pandya talks to ball:

Hardik Pandya is known for his eccentricities on the field and it was evident once again against Pakistan. Before delivering the ball, the India star was seen saying to the ball. Well, only Hardik Pandya knows what he said to the ball but one can say that whatever he said definitely worked.

Watch:

pic.twitter.com/TsouAi6p9S

— No-No-Crix (@Hanji_CricDekho) October 14, 2023

Meanwhile, Babar Azam and in-form Mohammad Rizwan have steadied the ship for the Men in Green. At the time of writing this report, Pakistan were on 125 for 2 in 25 overs. Babar was batting on 35 while Rizwan was unbeaten on 33. Pakistan would be hoping that the duo stitch together a big stand and guide Pakistan to a big total in the mega clash.

Both India and Pakistan have made a strong start to their campaigns in the 2023 World Cup. Both the teams have won their opening two games. While Pakistan have defeated the Netherlands and Sri Lanka so far, India have got the better of Australia and Afghanistan.