Nahid Rana

Nahid Rana is one of the most promising fast bowlers in Bangladesh. He was born on October 2, 2002, in Chapainawabganj district of Bangladesh. His tall height of 6.5 feet helps him generate bounce from the pitch and his right-arm action helps him control the line and length of the delivery.

Rana's interest in cricket was relatively late as he grew up in the northwestern district of Chapai Nawabganj. At 18, he decided to take up cricket as his career. Soon after completing his Higher Secondary School Certificate, he enrolled in a cricket academy in Rajshahi. His raw speed and potential caught the eyes of the scouts, who selected him as a net bowler for the Rajshahi Division team. 

In October 2021, during the National Cricket League, the young sensation made his first-class debut for Rajshahi Division.

The following year, he achieved his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket against Barishal Division, finishing with figures of 5 for 62.

In the BPL (Bangladesh Premier League) season 2023, Rana was included in the Khulna Tigers squad. He made his T20 debut in January 2023, against Dhaka Dominators. He bagged one wicket conceding 20 runs in four overs. One of the most highlighting things was his raw pace, which was consistently clocking between 140-150 km/h. 

Following his domestic journey, he debuted in List A cricket for Shinepukur Cricket Club in March 2023, during the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League. His performances across formats underscored his versatility and adaptability, essential traits for a fast bowler in varying conditions.

The domestic successes were just peanuts for him, he received his maiden call-up to the Bangladesh Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka. He made his Test debut in March 2024 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

He leveraged the opportunity and announced himself to international cricket in some fiery fashion, taking three wickets on the very first day. 

In September 2024, Nahid bowled a record-breaking delivery against Pakistan at Rawalpindi at a speed of 152.0 km/h, becoming the fastest by a Bangladeshi bowler. In the same innings, he played a crucial role in limiting Pakistan to 172, securing four wickets for 44 runs. 

One of Nahid’s most significant milestones includes his infusion into Bangladesh's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. He has played one match in the tournament, he bagged a crucial wicket of Kane Williamson in the match against New Zealand at Rawalpindi.

In his brief domestic and international career, Nahid Rana has shown that the paceman has tremendous talent and zeal to succeed at the highest level. If he stayed on the same path, he would only go upwards to bring countless allocates for his country.

(As of March 2025)