New Delhi: Nitish Rana slammed a brilliant knock of unbeaten 134 off just 55 deliveries to help West Delhi Lions beat South Delhi Superstarz in the Eliminator to book a spot in the Qualifier 2 of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025. Tempers flared during the game as Rana was involved in a heated clash with spinner Digvesh Rathi during his blistering knock.
The duo nearly came to blows and had to be separated by their teammates after an ugly exchange in the middle. The incident took place during the 19th over of West Delhi Lions’ 203-run chase at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Rana, who smashed a hat-trick of sixes against Rathi in his first over, was seen exchanging a few words with the spinner after hitting a six and a four off two consecutive deliveries during the 10th over of his side’s innings.
Rana then went on to smash a six off the final delivery of the over, before mimicking Rathi’s signature celebration. Annoyed by the batter’s antics, Rathi too got involved and hurled back a few words at Rana. The West Delhi Lions batter then came charging towards him in anger as the duo got involved in an ugly spat.
As tempers flared during the altercation between the duo, the South Delhi Superstarz players intervened and separated the duo along with the on-field umpires. A clip of the dramatic altercation has gone viral on social media.
Watch Nitish Rana involved in an ugly spat with Digvesh Rathi:Rana’s ton powers West Delhi Lions into Qualifier 2It’s all happening here! 🔥🏏
Nitish Rana | Digvesh Singh Rathi | West Delhi Lions | South Delhi Superstarz | #DPL #DPL2025 #AdaniDPL2025 #Delhi pic.twitter.com/OfDZQGhOlr
— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20)
Rana’s sublime ton helped West Delhi Lions chase down the challenging target of 202 runs with 17 balls to spare and book a spot in the Qualifier 2. The left-hander came out to bat at no.4 for West Delhi, when they were reeling at 21/2 in the challenging run-chase. He went on to produce a terrific knock under pressure to take his team home.
Rana’s unbeaten 134 off 55 balls was laced with a staggering 15 sixes and 8 fours as he single-handedly turned the match in his side’s favour with his batting exploits at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Thanks to Rana’s brutal hitting, Rathi was taken off after bowling only two overs in the game, where he conceded 39 runs.
Rana-led West Delhi Lions will now take on defending champions East Delhi Riders in the Qualifier 2 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on Saturday.
