The upcoming Sri Lanka series could be career-defining for young pacer Nahid Rana, who has already made a name for himself with sheer pace and fearless bowling.
“He is our X factor because of the pace,” said Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons.
“If he stays fit, he can unsettle any batter on any kind of wicket.”
Nahid's rapid rise began with his Twenty20 International debut against the United Arab Emirates, where he picked up two wickets with raw pace despite conceding runs.
But it was in Test cricket where he truly impressed.
In just seven Tests, he has taken 23 wickets and has already been a part of two historic wins for Bangladesh.
His debut against Sri Lanka saw him claim five wickets across two innings.
While Bangladesh lost that match, Nahid’s performance gave a fresh dimension to the pace attack.
He followed up with a match-winning spell in Rawalpindi, taking four second-innings wickets as Bangladesh clinched the series 2-0 against Pakistan.
His maiden five-for came in the West Indies, leading Bangladesh to their first Test win on Caribbean soil since 2009.
“Test is the format I like most,” Nahid told Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.
“It’s the most prestigious. I will continue to play as long as I am fit.”
He added, “I try to eat properly and work hard to maintain myself. It’s always challenging, but overcoming those challenges gives you satisfaction and confidence.”
Test captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto praised his mental strength: “He is not someone who thinks about his opponents a lot. He just focuses on executing his plans. When he bowls like that, it lifts the whole bowling unit.”
With another Sri Lanka challenge ahead, Nahid looks set to further cement his place as Bangladesh’s new pace spearhead.
