Nahid Rana’s pace earns praise from cricketing greats
Legends of the game, including Waqar Younis, Dale Steyn, Irfan Pathan have applauded Rana’s impressive pace and potential.
Nahid Rana's searing pace against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy has drawn praise from cricketing legends despite Bangladesh's defeat in Rawalpindi.
Rana's standout moment came when he dismissed Kane Williamson with a 148.9 km/h delivery. Although he finished with figures of 1 for 43 from nine overs, his performance drew praise from some of cricket's biggest names. Former Pakistani pacers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, along with India's Irfan Pathan, lauded the youngster's impact.
Waqar, speaking on DP World Dressing Room, described Rana as "truly dangerous," adding, "He combined pace and bounce brilliantly. That delivery to Williamson was nearly unplayable." He further praised Bangladesh's overall pace attack, saying, "The Bangladeshi pacers bowled superbly. As Wasim Bhai mentioned, Taskin Ahmed used his experience well, understanding where to bowl and when."
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On his official X handle, Irfan Pathan echoed similar sentiments, writing, "Nahid Rana can be the best & go to bowler of Bangladesh in the future. Got pace with height. Only thing is he started cricket late so coaches around him need to keep an eye on that."
Rana's rapid rise hasn't gone unnoticed by former players outside the subcontinent either. Dale Steyn, speaking on ESPN Cricinfo's post-match show, said, "His pace is outstanding. That over where he dismissed Williamson put Kane under serious pressure. There were no short balls, just relentless speed. If he can consistently bowl around 150 km/h, he'll test any batter."
Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer was equally impressed, saying, "I thought Williamson would settle in, but credit goes to Rana for how he bowled that over. You'd expect someone like Kane to bounce back quickly, but Rana didn't give him the chance."
Rana's rise to prominence began last year during Bangladesh's tour of Pakistan. Though he made his Test debut in March against Sri Lanka in Sylhet, it was the August-September series in Pakistan that put him in the spotlight. Primarily a red-ball bowler, Rana has now played four ODIs, claiming four wickets. In Tests, he has taken 20 wickets in six matches and is awaiting his T20I debut.
