Nahid Rana: Bangladesh’s Pace Sensation Ready for Champions Trophy

Nahid Rana: Bangladesh’s Pace Sensation Ready for Champions Trophy

Bangladesh’s Nahid Rana is making waves in international cricket, and as he gears up for his first ICC global event at the Champions Trophy 2025, the young speedster is ready to make an impact. Capable of consistently bowling at 150 km/h, the 22-year-old pacer has already established himself as Bangladesh’s fastest-ever bowler.

Despite his meteoric rise, Nahid’s journey began on the streets of Rajshahi, playing taped tennis ball cricket. His ability to generate raw pace and extra bounce set him apart, earning him recognition from former national pacer Alamgir Kabir, who helped refine his skills with the cricket ball. Since then, Nahid has progressed rapidly, earning his place in Bangladesh’s squad as an attacking pace option.

Rapid Rise to International Stardom

Nahid made his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2024, immediately impressing with three wickets in his first innings. However, his true breakthrough moment came in Rawalpindi against Pakistan, where he dismissed Babar Azam, Shan Masood, and Saud Shakeel in a single spell, leading Bangladesh to a historic 2-0 series win.

With the Champions Trophy now set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE, Nahid is eager to build on his previous success in Rawalpindi. “We played on batting-friendly pitches, yet we adjusted well and bowled exceptionally as a fast-bowling unit,” he said. “For the Champions Trophy, we will need to be even more disciplined and execute our plans effectively.”

Learning from the Best

Though Nahid’s raw pace is his biggest asset, he remains humble and eager to learn. Training alongside Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, he continues to develop his craft while staying true to his natural attacking instincts. “The team expects me to bowl fast, and I am determined to repay their faith by sticking to my strengths and staying grounded,” he said.

Balancing Cricket and Passion Off the Field

Despite his growing stature in international cricket, Nahid remains a down-to-earth individual with simple passions. He enjoys riding his motorbike, fishing, and spending time with his pet cats when he returns home to Chapainawabganj. However, his cricketing commitments mean he rarely gets the time to indulge in his hobbies.

Heading into the Champions Trophy, Nahid will be one of the fastest bowlers in the tournament, alongside Jofra Archer and Kagiso Rabada. Yet, he remains unfazed by speed records. “I don’t set targets for how fast I can bowl,” he said. “Instead, I focus on rhythm, accuracy, and staying fit. If my body feels right, the pace will follow naturally.”

As Bangladesh prepares for their Group A clashes against Pakistan and New Zealand, all eyes will be on Nahid to deliver with the ball. With his fearless attitude and ability to generate express pace, he could be the x-factor the Tigers need to make a deep run in the tournament.