The Arun Jaitley Stadium witnessed a special knock on Friday night as Nitish Rana smashed an unbeaten 134 off just 55 balls, single-handedly carrying West Delhi Lions into Qualifier 2 of the Delhi Premier League (DPL).
A night to remember for Rana
Walking in after early setbacks and battling a calf injury, Rana produced one of the finest T20 innings seen in Delhi cricket. His blistering knock included just 8 fours but an incredible 15 sixes, turning the Eliminator clash into his personal show. Even the rain delays that had pushed back both Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator couldn’t dim the drama that followed.
Earlier in the tournament, Rana had struggled for form, scoring only 135 runs in eight innings. But under pressure in the knockout, he delivered a turnaround innings that will be remembered for years. A hat-trick of sixes off Digvesh Rathi set the tone, and despite ugly exchanges and heated on-field confrontations, Rana’s bat did most of the talking.
Back in Delhi colours
Rana’s innings carried a deeper narrative. After leaving Delhi cricket in 2023 following a fallout when Yash Dhull replaced him as captain, Rana turned to Uttar Pradesh cricket. But his return to Delhi colours in DPL 2025, backed by DDCA President Rohan Jaitley, was always about unfinished business. On Friday, he showed why that comeback mattered.
Hundred in style
Rana reached his century in just 42 balls, making it the third-fastest ton in league history. A no-ball lifeline gave him the chance to bring up three figures, and he capitalised in style, drawing a massive roar from the dugout.
With West Delhi Lions storming into Qualifier 2 to face East Delhi Riders, their skipper’s form couldn’t have peaked at a better time. For Delhi cricket fans, this was more than just a knock — it was Rana finally feeling at home again.
