Watch: Hardik Pandya's cheeky celebration after dismissing Imam-ul-Haq in IND vs PAK clash, match 12, CWC 2023 - Video Highlights of the Day

India and Pakistan are currently involved in a gruelling battle in match No. 12 of the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023 on Saturday, October 14, in Ahmedabad.

Pakistani opener Imam-ul-Haq scored 36 off 38 balls after Babar Azam lost the toss. The southpaw was dismissed by Hardik Pandya as he edged one through to wicketkeeper KL Rahul in the 13th over. After the dismissal, Hardik brought out a cheeky bye-bye celebration for the departing batter. 

Watch the video here:

Kung Fu Pandya Strikes!!!!

🔥🔥🔥🔥#IndiaVsPakistan | #INDvsPAK | #CWC23 | pic.twitter.com/JT6D59kEuX

— ♔ (@balltamperrerrr) October 14, 2023

Hardik Pandya did some black magic on the ball & took Imam’s wicket? 😳😳 #IndiavsPak pic.twitter.com/OVA7AqwIni

— Saurabh Sharma (@randomusements) October 14, 2023 

Interestingly, Hardik was seen kissing the ball before starting his run-up, something fans were accustomed to seeing Lasith Malinga do during his playing days. For the unversed, Hardik spent a lot of time with the Sri Lankan legend in the Mumbai Indians dressing room.

Openers depart after a steady start

Mohammed Siraj was a tad wayward with the new ball, and it allowed the Pakistani opening duo of Imam and Abdullah Shafique to get off to a quick start. However, Jasprit Bumrah was miserly from the other end. Off the last ball of the eighth over, Siraj trapped Abdullah plumb in front of the stumps. The centurion from the last game against Sri Lanka departed for just 20 after looking good for another big score.

Babar Azam came to the crease with the score at 41 and stitched a fluent 27-ball 32-run partnership alongside Imam. Hardik's wicket off Imam came at the right moment for India, as the 'Men in Green' were on the verge of getting into the ascendancy. This was the Baroda all-rounder's fourth wicket in the competition.

India will look to stem the flow of runs and put pressure on the dangerous partnership between Babar and Mohammed Rizwan, who are undoubtedly the best batters in the Pakistan side.

Check more highlights from India vs Pakistan Match 12 of ODI World Cup 2023:

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, two batting maestros have immense respect for each other. Their admiration for each other was seen after the India vs Pakistan match when Babar Azam requested a signed jersey from Kohli and the latter gladly obliged. 

FANBOY MOMENT FOR BABAR AZAM....!!

Babar asks for a signed from Virat Kohli and Virat gives it.pic.twitter.com/Caq3GoQoaV

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 14, 2023

Renowned Bollywood singer Arijit Singh, who stayed back at the venue after his opening performance, enjoyed the fall of Babar Azam as Mohammed Siraj cleaned up the Pakistan skipper. 

Arijit saab bhi naach diye aaj to. 😂#INDvsPAKpic.twitter.com/3sN17rb6rp

— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) October 14, 2023

Popular YouTuber Speed was also seen cheering for Rohit Sharma and Co. at the venue.

Speed in Narendra Modi Stadium...!!!!

- He is here to support King Kohli & Team India. pic.twitter.com/vZBKzCtrd0

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 14, 2023

Further, Kohli had a cheeky response for Mohammad Rizwan as he took his own time to get ready after getting into bat. Kohli took a look at an 'imaginary watch', expressing his concern in a jest over Rizwan's laid-back attitude.