[Watch] Hardik Pandya gives ‘bye-bye’ send-off to Imam-ul-Haq after dismissing him during IND vs PAK 2023 World Cup match

All-rounder Hardik Pandya came to India's rescue with the ball once again, as he dismissed the well-set Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq for 36 off 38 balls during the arch-rivals' 2023 World Cup match in Ahmedabad on Saturday, October 14.

Hardik was a bit expensive in his first two overs but with almost no help for the pacers from the pitch, he continued to bend his back hard and induced a false shot from Imam. The southpaw tried a juicy cover drive but could only edge it behind to wicket-keeper KL Rahul.

Interestingly, just before the delivery that got Imam-ul-Haq's wicket, Hardik Pandya was almost seen shouting at the ball, probably frustrated with no movement or swing on offer. Call it coincidence or magic, it did the trick as Imam had to return to the pavilion.

Here's a video of Hardik's send-off to Imam where he could be seen thanking the batter for coming with a rather cheeky hand wave:

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Hardik Pandya keeping India level with Pakistan in flat conditions

Quite a few eyebrows were raised when Rohit Sharma opted to bowl first as the pitch looked absolutely flat. Naturally, the Indian new-ball bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah didn't find much help from the surface nor in the air.

Siraj was expensive at first but later adjusted his length really well to dismiss Abdullah Shafique. Babar Azam then joined Imam-ul-Haq at the crease and the duo looked to take the attack to Hardik Pandya.

However, Imam's wicket off Hardik's bowling has ensured that the Men in Blue have kept things in chase. The partnership between Babar and Mohammad Rizwan will be crucial for the Men in Green as they will look to set a platform with some explosive batting down the order.

India will look to strike at regular intervals and restrict the arch-rivals to an achievable score under lights.