The incident occurred in the 13th over when Imam first smashed Hardik for a four towards a deep point but what followed next left everyone speechless on the field.
India vs Pakistan: Jasprit Bumrah strikes – Mohammad Rizwan out on 49
Hardik’s next delivery turned out to be a game changer after he was seen engaging in a silent prayer. While attempting a drive, the left-handed Imam managed to get an edge on the ball, and it swiftly travelled into the waiting hands of wicketkeeper KL Rahul.
This led to Imam’s departure with a score of 36 runs, providing India with a vital breakthrough.
Earlier, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Favourites India came into the match unbeaten with victories over five-time winners Australia and Afghanistan.
Opening batsman Shubman Gill returns to the team and takes the place of Ishan Kishan after recovering from dengue fever and missing the first two matches.
Pakistan, who also won their two matches against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, come in unchanged from their previous win.
