Mickey Arthur lauds Nahid Rana’s pace and potential after standout BPL performance
Rana claimed four wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, showcasing his skill and composure. His contributions led Rangpur Riders to victory and earned him the Player of the Match award.
"Nahid Rana is very special. It's fantastic to see such a rapid bowler emerging from Bangladesh. He's very, very good, and I believe he will go far in international cricket."
These were the words of Rangpur Riders head coach Mickey Arthur after witnessing Rana's fiery spell in a BPL match.
Although Rana didn't pick up a wicket in that game, conceding just 11 runs in three overs, his pace and control left an indelible impression on the South African coach.
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Arthur, however, pointed out that Rana's effectiveness could improve with breakthroughs in the middle overs. The young speedster responded emphatically in Rangpur's second match, delivering a stellar performance that silenced any doubts.
Rana claimed four wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, showcasing his skill and composure. His contributions led Rangpur Riders to victory and earned him the Player of the Match award.
In a format where economy and breakthroughs are highly valued, Rana's spell was exceptional. His fiery pace and ability to deliver consistently at over 140 kph have become his trademarks, drawing praise from all corners of the cricketing fraternity.
This recognition didn't begin with the BPL, though. Rana had already made his mark during Bangladesh's tours of Pakistan and the West Indies earlier this year, consistently combining pace with wicket-taking prowess.
Speaking after the match, Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan revealed that Rana has been given the freedom to bowl according to his instincts.
"Nahid is bowling with a lot of freedom," Sohan said. "He's a very quick bowler and operates in his own way. Whenever he's unsure about something, he comes to me and shares his thoughts. I think he's giving his best effort. It's only been two matches, and we want him to continue following his process and giving his 100%."
However, managing a pacer with Rana's speed and workload is no small task. Fast bowlers are often prone to injuries, and for someone still new to international cricket, careful management is crucial. Rana has already debuted in two formats and is becoming a regular feature in Bangladesh's setup.
His performances in the BPL and domestic cricket have only heightened the excitement surrounding his potential.
When asked about any specific guidelines for Rana from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Sohan clarified, "Every pace bowler has a setup in place to manage themselves. Nahid knows how to take care of himself and is fully committed to delivering what the team needs. The BCB's physios and trainers are monitoring him, so I don't think it's a major issue. Gone are the days of uncertainty in our pace department. Everyone knows their role and what they need to do."
