The high-pressure knockout saw emotions run high. During Digvesh Rathi’s over, Rana looked to sweep but stepped away when the bowler stopped in his stride.
The Delhi Premier League 2025 Eliminator at Arun Jaitley Stadium was packed with drama, tempers, and fireworks. West Delhi Lions captain Nitish Rana’s unbeaten 134 off 55 balls not only took his team into Qualifier 2 but also overshadowed his heated exchange with South Delhi Superstarz spinner Digvesh Rathi.
The high-pressure knockout saw emotions run high. During Digvesh Rathi’s over, Rana looked to sweep but stepped away when the bowler stopped in his stride. On the next ball, Rana gave it back, saying, “Chal dalta reh chal. (Keep bowling).”
Rana then reverse-swept Rathi for a six and celebrated with the spinner’s famous “notebook celebration.” This mocking gesture triggered Rathi, who responded with harsh words. Rana charged towards him, but players intervened to prevent the situation from worsening.
Rana dominated the game despite the drama, and the West Delhi Lions won by seven wickets thanks to his spectacular 134* not out, which allowed them to chase down 202 in just 17.1 overs. The South Delhi Superstarz bowlers were completely taken aback by the captain's innings, which featured strong smashes throughout the park.
Rathi, on the other hand, had a miserable outing, conceding 39 runs in just two overs. Rana’s innings not only settled the contest but also showed how he channelled aggression into performance.
The match also saw tempers flare between Sumit Mathur and Krish Yadav earlier in the 11th over. Yadav’s dismissal led to a heated argument, and both players almost came to blows before Rana stepped in as a peacemaker.
This wasn’t the first time such altercations involved these players. Both Rana and Rathi have a history of on-field arguments in the Indian Premier League. Earlier this year, Rathi had a verbal spat with SunRisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma.
With this win, the West Delhi Lions moved into Qualifier 2, where they will face East Delhi Riders at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Saturday, August 30. Rana’s leadership and match-winning knock will give his side confidence ahead of another big clash.
For South Delhi Superstarz, the defeat and on-field controversies marked a disappointing end to their season.
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