Dubai: The Tigers have an ace up their sleeve in the form of 22-year-old quick Nahid Rana as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With Bangladesh aiming to make an impact and progress past the group stage, they will need contributions across the board. Their campaign begins with a challenging opener against the formidable Indian team, making it the perfect stage to unleash their young speedster.
Nahid Rana, a right-arm fast bowler, is set for his maiden ICC tournament appearance, and his raw pace is already making waves. Capable of bowling at speeds exceeding 150 km/h, he is arguably the fastest bowler Bangladesh has ever produced. The team management is eager to see how he performs under the bright lights of a global tournament.
Rapid Rise to Prominence
While Rana has limited international experience, having played six Test matches in 2024 and three ODIs towards the end of last year, his ability to generate sheer pace has caught the attention of cricketing experts. Despite being relatively new to the international stage, he remains undeterred by the challenge and is ready to test himself against the world’s best.
“The opportunity to play against the best cricketers in the world is the highest form of inspiration,” Rana said. “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 fortunate to play a good number of first-class matches before my debut.”
His Test debut in March 2024 against Sri Lanka was a dream start, where he took three wickets in his first innings and five in the match, showcasing his potential to be a game-changer for Bangladesh.
From Tennis Ball Cricket to International Stardom
Rana’s journey to the top has been remarkable. Born in Rajshahi, near the Indian border, a region more famous for mangoes than cricket, his cricketing career started later than most. Growing up, he mainly played taped tennis ball cricket and quickly realized he had a natural pace advantage over others.
“I could extract more natural bounce because of my height,” Rana recalled. His transition from tennis ball cricket to professional cricket was swift, and his raw talent soon caught the eyes of selectors.
Focus on Fitness and Discipline
Understanding the demands of professional cricket, Rana is committed to improving his overall fitness and discipline to maintain his pace and longevity.
“I learned every day on and off the field, from fitness to how to take care of my body, diet, understanding and executing plans, and learning from experienced players and coaches. Staying fit is the key to bowling quick. If I feel good, I know that the pace will be right.”
Bangladesh sees Rana as a valuable attacking option, and his ability to generate express pace makes him a vital weapon in their arsenal. The young bowler remains humble but takes pride in his speed.
“The team expects me to bowl fast, and I try to repay the faith by sticking to my strengths. I concentrate on getting into the right rhythm and my release. But when you hear that the pace is around 150 km/h, that’s a nice feeling.”
Looking Ahead
With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, Bangladesh is hopeful that Rana’s raw speed can make a significant impact. If he can deliver on his promise, he could be the X-factor that helps Bangladesh punch above their weight in the tournament. As the Tigers gear up for their crucial opening clash against India, all eyes will be on their fastest-ever bowler, Nahid Rana, to make his mark on the global stage.
