The IPL encounter between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab turned out to be a high-scoring thriller with the hosts emerging victorious at the Wankhede stadium, keeping their hopes alive for the playoffs.
Kings XI Punjab largely dominated the game with both bat and ball, thanks to one-sided contributions from KL Rahul and Andrew Tye. Once again, Punjab’s tendency to be dependent on the services of Rahul and Tye came into the limelight.
They were well on course towards a win with the century stand between Rahul and Aaron Finch. KL Rahul scored a valiant 94 before holding out in the deep with 20 required off 10 balls.
The agony of Rahul was prevalent on his face when he got dismissed, and the narrow three-run loss only aggravated the distraught.
Hardik Pandya, a close friend of KL, made sure the Karnataka batsman received the praises he deserved even though his team lost. Pandya, brought in the jersey exchange culture from football into cricket, won the hearts of many through his gesture to Rahul.
“Play hard, play fair! Respect comes first. Super knock, by a super player and an even better friend klrahul11. #MIvKXIP mipaltan lionsdenkxip,” Hardik wrote in his message along with the video clip.
Play hard, play fair! Respect comes first. ✊🏽
Super knock, by a super player and an even better friend @klrahul11 #MIvKXIP @mipaltan @lionsdenkxip pic.twitter.com/dNvF7BUqn0
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) May 17, 2018
