Gujarat Titans thrash Lucknow Super Giants in IPL battle of Pandya brothers

Hardik defeated Krunal in the battle of the Pandya brothers on Sunday as Indian Premier League table-toppers Gujarat Titans sealed a convincing 56-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

The Pandyas made history by becoming the first brothers to captain two opposing sides in an IPL match as the two teams clashed Narendra Modi Stadium.

“It's a dream come true for us, leading our respective sides,” elder brother Krunal Pandya, 32, captain of Lucknow, said after winning the toss in Ahmedabad. But he added: “Once we go into the field, the game face will be on.”

Gujarat captain Hardik Pandya, 29, adjusted his big brother's hat and also told the host, who called it wrong, that the coin fell in Krunal's favour.

“Big, emotional day for the family, our father would have been proud,” said an emotional Hardik. “This is something that's happening for the first time. Short of words, but the family is proud. One Pandya will win.”

And one Pandya certainly did win after Gujarat recorded their highest ever IPL total of 227-2 thanks to a destructive opening partnership of 142 between Wriddhiman Saha (81) and Shubman Gill (94 not out).

The two Pandya brothers are up against one another here in Ahmedabad.Who do you reckon will come on Top after Match 51 of the #TATAIPL #GTvLSG pic.twitter.com/Zvh2kRRjwN

Lucknow put up a spirited reply with Kyle Mayers (48) and Quinton de Kock (70) leading the charge but they ended on 171-7 to allow Gujarat to consolidate their top spot in the 10-team table.

Earlier, Saha, a diminutive wicketkeeper-batsman, set up Gujarat's domination with four sixes and 10 fours to reach his fifty in just 20 balls before he fell to Avesh Khan.

Hardik, continued the flying start making a quick-fire 25 off 15 balls before,