New Delhi: Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya got India off to a dream start in the high-octane clash against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday. Hardik struck on the very first ball to draw the first blood for India in the game after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
The two teams locked horns in the group stage of the tournament amid growing calls for a boycott back in India. Millions expressed their disappointment on social media and slammed the Indian government and the BCCI for allowing India to play Pakistan, months after the Pahalgam terror attack. However, Indian players remained focused on the job at hand as they took the field against the arch-rivals in Dubai.
It took Hardik no time to make an impact in the game as the all-rounder ended up taking a wicket on his first legal delivery in the game. The right-arm pacer stared with a wide, before bowling an outswinger to hand Pakistan opener Saim Ayub a Golden Duck on the next delivery. Ayub went after the outswinger, which was shaping away from him and ended up getting caught by Jasprit Bumrah at point.
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Pakistan got off to a disastrous start in the high-pressure contest as Ayub departed after failing to open his account in the game.