The exhilarating match between the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the renowned Wankhede Stadium ultimately came down to a showdown between the Pandya brothers. Hardik Pandya, who had fallen short in Mumbai's last encounter, was resolute in his efforts on Monday, hitting a series of boundaries to keep the home team in contention for a historic chase against RCB, including back-to-back sixes off his brother Krunal. However, in a dramatic finish, the elder Pandya triumphed, claiming three wickets in the final over and leaving MI 12 runs short of victory.

Hardik was visibly distraught, nearly in tears as a teammate offered comfort. He remained seated, watching as Mumbai missed the chance to secure another win while RCB erupted in jubilant celebration. This defeat marked their second consecutive loss and third overall this season, placing them in the lower half of the points table.

Despite his disappointment, Hardik composed himself and participated in the customary post-match handshake with the opposing team. He was seen embracing Krunal warmly, acknowledging his impressive bowling performance during the match. Just before the post-match presentation, Krunal had also provided support to Hardik, and later, the two were spotted engaged in a heartfelt conversation while seated on the field.

A night to remember for Krunal

When Hazlewood was smashed for a six by Mitchell Satner, shortly after the dismissal of Hardik, in the penultimate ball of the 19th over, one of the commentators reminded that with RCB out of death-over specialists, Krunal could be bowling the final over. The Baroda-based cricketer has bowled the last over in an IPL only five times before, conceding at almost 10 runs an over. But on Monday, he emerged as a hero for RCB. The left-arm spinner took three wickets in the final over in a thriller that had spectators on the edge of their seats at the Wankhade Stadium. Those watching on TV were also glued right through.

Krunal dismissed Santner and Deepak Chahar in the first two balls of the over, before putting the final nail in the coffin for Mumbai with the dismissal of Naman Dhir as RCB conquered Wankhede after a gap of 10 years.

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