[WATCH] DPL 2026: Nitish Rana breaks down in tears after scoring fifty in emotional tribute to late mother

Nitish Rana broke down in tears on the field after reaching his half-century during Match 31 of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 on August 17, 2026, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The West Delhi Lions batter had lost his mother, Satish, on August 7, 2026, following an illness, and chose to continue playing in the tournament. The moment he reached fifty, he pointed towards the sky in a visible tribute to her.

Rana had the option of stepping away from DPL 2026 after his bereavement but decided to play on. He wore a jersey with 'N. Satish' printed on the back during the match against South Delhi Superstarz, having done the same in an earlier fixture against Outer Delhi Warriors on August 13, 2026. After he became emotional at the milestone, umpires on the field came to console him, and players from the opposition also walked over.

Rana's innings and the tribute moment

Rana reached fifty off just 27 balls, completing the milestone with a boundary off the third delivery of the ninth over of West Delhi Lions' innings. He had begun cautiously, managing 7 runs from his first 10 balls, before shifting gears to add 43 runs off the next 17 deliveries, which included five sixes and four fours. He ended as the top scorer for his side, finishing on 60 off 33 balls, having struck four fours and six sixes across his innings.

Despite Rana's knock, West Delhi Lions were bowled out for 169 in 19.5 overs. Anshuman Hooda was the standout bowler for South Delhi Superstarz, returning figures of 4 wickets for 27 runs in 3.5 overs.

South Delhi Superstarz's dominant chase

South Delhi Superstarz overhauled the target without losing a wicket. Openers Sanat Sangwan and Anmol Sharma put on 55 runs to begin the chase. Sangwan reached his fifty off 25 balls and went on to bring up his century off just 50 balls in the 15th over, finishing unbeaten on 111 off 54 balls, which included six fours and 10 sixes. Anmol Sharma remained unbeaten on 55 off 38 balls, hitting six fours and one six.

South Delhi Superstarz won by 10 wickets with 28 balls to spare, chasing down a target of 170 with comfort. DPL 2026, the third season of the tournament, runs from July 31 to August 30, 2026. West Delhi Lions entered the match as defending champions, having won the DPL 2025 title, while the inaugural 2024 edition had been claimed by East Delhi Riders.