Nahid Rana’s rapid rise in Bangladesh cricket has given the team an edge it has rarely had in fast bowling. The pacer is expected to play a vital role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which Bangladesh will begin with the big match against India on Thursday in Dubai.

Nahid can bowl consistently with the speed clocking 150 km/h, and he has already made a notable impact in Bangladesh’s changing pace attack. Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain of Bangladesh, said Nahid’s inclusion added a new dimension to Bangladesh’s bowling department.

“He has bowled really well and bowled fast,” Shanto said ahead of the match. “When we see him bowling like this, it lifts the whole bowling unit. It motivates us to challenge the opposition in new ways.”

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Rana made his international debut less than a year ago but has already left a mark. In six Tests, he has taken 20 wickets, including a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka. He has also featured in three ODIs, picking up four wickets at an economy rate of 4.72. His domestic numbers prove his potential, with 83 wickets in 21 first-class matches at an average of 25.44.

When Bangladesh registered a historic Test series win in Pakistan last year, Nahid has taken the wickets of Babar Azam, Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel in the same spell. His bowling set the tone for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh will return to Pakistan in this Champions Trophy too, for a group-stage match against the hosts.

“The team expected me to bowl fast and use me as an attacking option,” Rana said to ICC. “I tried to repay the faith by sticking to my strengths and staying humble.”

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Bangladesh has traditionally relied on spin, but with Rana and Taskin Ahmed, and in the squad, they now have a balanced attack.

“We did not have a lot of pace bowlers before, but now we have them. We have always had spinners, so now we have a good balance,” the Bangladesh captain said.

Nahid said he is not thinking much about the hype around him, instead, he is focusing on his performance and execution.

“If I feel good, I know the pace will be right,” he said. “I have learned that looking after your body and staying fit is the key to bowling quick.”

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