Bangladeshi pacer Nahid Rana raring to go ahead of clash with India  

As India take on Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday, the latter will need contributions from most of their players. Having known their rivals well, the Bangla Tigers are banking on their trump card -- 22 -year-old pacer Nahid Rana. Preparing for his maiden ICC tournament, he’s capable of reaching speeds upwards of 150km per hour.

He’s been exposed to more red-ball cricket so far, having played six Tests in 2024 and just three ODIs. But he is eager to relish the opportunity he has against the world’s best.

“The opportunity to play against the best cricketers in the world is the highest form of inspiration,” he says in an interview with the ICC.

“I am enjoying every moment of international cricket. Things have happened fast and I’m grateful. It is never easy to adapt to international cricket but I was lucky that I got to play a number of first-class matches before my debut.

“I feel it is the best thing to have happened as you get exposed to all sorts of situations and conditions. But international cricket is a different ball game.”

There is reason to be optimistic that Rana can work wonder for the Bangla Tigers, having taken three wickets in his first Test innings against Sri Lanka in March 2024 and five in the match.

He picked up the cricket ball only in his late teens, having grown up in Rajshahi on the border with India. “The place is known for its mangoes rather than for any sport,” he says. “I was mainly playing tennis ball cricket growing up and felt I was way quicker than others. I could extract more natural bounce because of my height.”

He’s proving to be a quick learner having shown maturity beyond years.

Rana is focused on improving both as a bowler and as an athlete.

“I learn every day on and off the field -- from fitness to how to take care of the body, the diet, and understanding and executing plans. I learn from the coaches and seniors. I have learnt that looking after your body and staying fit is the key to bowling quick. If I feel good, I know that the pace would be right."