Champions Trophy, IND vs BAN: How could pacer Nahid be a threat to India

Nazmul Hossain Shanto believes Bangladesh now has one of its strongest fast-bowling attacks of all time

The Bangladesh cricket team is ready to start its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with the Group A match against India on Thursday, February 20, at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai. Historically known for its spin attack, Bangladesh's cricket teams in recent times have improved their pace attack with the addition of players like Nahid Rana, who has been in exceptional form ever since he made his international debut. Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto, while addressing the media in the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, expressed his pleasure at having a good pace attack in the team. He even mentioned Nahid Rana as one of the biggest reasons behind Bangladesh’s rise in the pace department. Shanto said that watching Rana bowl boosts the morale of the whole team.

 

A new era for Bangladesh’s fast bowling 

Nazmul Hossain Shanto in the press conference said that he believes Bangladesh now has one of its strongest fast-bowling attacks. He acknowledged past struggles but emphasized recent improvements with the rise of pacers like Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed. Shanto expressed his satisfaction as captain, highlighting their ability to bowl fast and support the team. He also noted that under lights, the ball might swing, and disciplined bowling in good areas would be crucial for their success.  Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 full schedule, match timings (IST) here

 

Nahid Rana: Bangladesh’s new pace sensation 

Shanto in the presser said thae he is excited about Nahid Rana’s presence in the team, calling him one of the fastest bowlers Bangladesh has ever produced. He emphasized that Rana’s raw pace not only strengthens the bowling attack but also motivates the entire team. While praising his recent performances, Shanto stressed the importance of maintaining fitness and consistency. He believes Rana’s aggressive bowling style adds a new dimension to the team’s attack and increases its competitiveness.  Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 points table here

 

Facing India with a renewed fast-bowling attack

 

Looking ahead to the match against India, Shanto expressed confidence in Rana’s ability to make an impact. He noted that Rana had gained experience playing a Test match against India but emphasized that the young pacer was more focused on executing his own plans rather than worrying about the opposition. Shanto hoped that if Rana played, he would stick to his strategies and deliver a strong performance, helping Bangladesh continue its growth in fast bowling.  Check latest news on ICC Champions Trophy 2025 here

  Why could Nahid Rana trouble India in Dubai? 

As mentioned by Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Nahid Rana has been bowling with good pace in recent games, which can trouble India on the pace-friendly wicket of Dubai. In addition, Rana stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, which helps him extract extra bounce from the pitch. Rana, who initially made his mark in the Test series against Pakistan last year, has taken four wickets in three ODI matches he has played so far, with an impressive economy rate of just 4.72. This proves he is capable of stopping the run flow while also taking wickets. If you combine this with his wicket-taking ability, India could have a big headache to deal with in the first match of the competition. 

Nahid Rana Focused on Growth and Performance 

Bangladesh’s fastest bowler, Nahid Rana, expressed his excitement about international cricket, acknowledging how quickly things have progressed in his career. He admitted that adapting to international cricket is challenging but credited his experience in first-class matches for helping him adjust.

 

Nahid emphasized that international cricket is a different level altogether, requiring constant learning about fitness, diet, and execution. He noted that his team expects him to bowl fast, and he aims to meet those expectations by staying true to his strengths.

 

Reflecting on his Rawalpindi performance, where he dismissed key Pakistan batters, Nahid highlighted the need for adaptability on batting-friendly pitches. He stressed that fitness is crucial for maintaining pace and believes that if he feels good physically, his speed will naturally follow.