Published: Sep 10, 2024, 12:25 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 10, 2024, 12:25 PM (IST)
After making an instant impact for Bangladesh in the Test series against Pakistan, Nahid Rana has now set his eyes on the upcoming 2-match Test series against India.
The 21-year-old consistently hit 150 kph and stood out as the star performer especially in the second innings of the second Test in Rawalpindi where he took brilliant figures of 4/44 as Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test series victory over the Men in Green.
“Obviously we are well prepared for India series. We have started training. The more we are prepared the better we will be in execution during the matches,” Rana said in a video shared by Bangladesh Cricket.
“India are a good team but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there,” Rana added.
The pacer established his place in the team by ripping apart the Pakistan batting order in the second Test with his fantastic pace bowling. Rana dismissed Pakistan skipper Shan Masood with his third ball before scalping the prized wicket of Babar Azam in his next over.
“I will strive to give my best. Pace is something you can’t always predict — it depends a lot on rhythm. Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds,” Rana said when asked if he is ready to reach the 152 kph mark again.
“I never set out to clock 152 kph or push past that. I just focused on executing the team’s plan. My friends and folks back in the village are really happy of my achievement,” Rana added.
Rana’s journey in cricket began when his brother enrolled him in an academy in 2020 after finishing college. He made his first-class debut in October and made his mark by claiming 32 scalps in the following season.
In the 2022-23 National Cricket League, Rana and Sumon Khan achieved a rare feat with both taking over 30 wickets, an accomplishment not seen in over 11 years for fast bowlers in the domestic first-class tournament.
“I don’t want to be like anyone else. I want to create my own identity and be known as Nahid Rana of Bangladesh. I haven’t followed any particular bowler. I’ve watched and learned from everyone — my seniors and those I grew up watching,” Nahid concluded.
