At his pre-match press conference before the big game against India, Bangladesh cricket team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto heaped praise on his pace attack. Then he spoke about 22-year-old Nahid Rana, who has not played too many games for Bangladesh, but is already making waves.
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“We have struggled in the past when it comes to fast bowling. But we have a good attack now and as a captain it makes me excited to see our bowlers bowl fast. They are in good form…. Hopefully they will be able to put Indians under pressure,” Shanto said. “Rana played one Test against India and he has the experience. He is not someone who looks at the opponent, but is more focused on execution. He is looking forward to the game.”
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While Nahid Rana did not play for the game against India, he has been handed a game against New Zealand. And he could hold the keys for the chances of teams like Bangladesh and Pakistan, if the Tigers are to defend a target of 237 against New Zealand in Rawalpindi.
Who is Nahid Rana?
Nahid Rana is a pacer who will be playing in his first ICC tournament at the Champions Trophy. He’s shown that he is capable of reaching speeds north of 150km/h. He frequently throws thunderbolts over 145kph.
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He has so far played for Bangladesh in six Tests in 2024 but just the three ODIs.
He played against India in the Chennai Test in 2024 where he claimed two wickets, both of Yashasvi Jaiswal in two innings. In the first innings in particular, he gave a measure of what sorts of pace he can generate, after getting Jaiswal’s wicket with a 148kmph delivery.
“The opportunity to play against the best cricketers in the world is the highest form of inspiration,” Rana was quoted as saying by ICC’s website. “I am enjoying every moment of international cricket. Things have happened very fast but I’m grateful for everything. It is never easy to adapt to international cricket but I was lucky in the sense that I got to play a good number of first-class matches before my debut.
Nahid Rana added: “I feel that is the best thing that could have happened as you get exposed to all sorts of different situations and conditions. But international cricket is a totally different level altogether.”
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Fast-tracked into national team
Rana started playing serious cricket in his late teens, having grown up in Rajshahi, on the international border with India. He didn’t really play in the age group teams of Bangladesh.
“The place is more famous for mangoes rather than cricket, or any sport for that matter,” Nahid Rana said. “I was mainly playing taped tennis ball cricket (growing up) and could feel I was way quicker than those around me. I could extract more natural bounce because of my height.”