New Delhi: Rising Bangladesh speedster Nahid Rana now has his eyes set on the upcoming away India Test series after recently helping his side demolish Pakistan with a historic 2-0 Test series sweep. He made an instant impact with his nerve-racking performance and the India batters might see a potential danger in him for the two-match Test series that kicks off on September 19.
The 21-year-old hit 150 kmph like nothing and remained consistent. He stood out from the rest and became the star performer in the second innings of the final Rawalpindi Test where he bagged 4/44 which led to a historic sweep of the series. With India Tests approaching, he is gearing up for the series and recently reflected on the upcoming challenge and the clinical series win.
“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. India are a good team but the team that plays better cricket will win. We will see when we go there,” Rana said in a video shared by Bangladesh Cricket on “X” (formerly Twitter).
Rana on Pakistan series triumph
The speedster who hails from Chapainawabganj, came to the spotlight for his ability to bowl fast, over long spells consistently. Making his Test debut against Sri Lanka in March this year, he made headlines by breaching the 150 kmph mark. He has successfully established himself as a fast-bowling threat after his exploits in the second Test against Pakistan.
His notable preys were skipper Shan Masood with a third ball and claimed the crucial wicket of Babar Azam in the next over. “Before leaving, I had said that I wanted to achieve something for my country, and it feels great to have delivered on what was expected of me,” he said.
The first Test between India and Bangladesh will be played in Chennai, a venue known for its bounce-friendly track. On the prospect of hitting the deck with his pace, he said he will strive to give his best. He was modest on talking about his speed saying that one can’t always predict the pace as it depends a lot on the rhythm. “Sometimes, it just clicks, and suddenly you find yourself hitting those speeds,” Nahid said. He further added that his focus was never to clock 152 kmph and that he just focused on executing the team’s plan.
Rana’s breakthrough
Rana’s cricket journey began when he was enrolled in an academy by his brother after finishing college. He soon made his first-class debut in October 2021 and made a mark quickly, taking 32 wickets in the next season. He shared a rare feat with Sumon Khan in the 2022-23 National Cricket League as both took over 30 wickets, an achievement missing from the domestic first-class tournaments for bowlers.
He is quite determined to carve his own path as he said, “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.”
(With PTI inputs)
Nahid Rana reflected on Bangladesh’s recent historic win against Pakistan in the Test series and is looking ahead to the upcoming challenge in the India series. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
