New Zealand team media manager Callum Carnoy remains impressed by Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana. Speaking a couple of days after watching his bowling, Carnoy described him as “a real talent” during a discussion on Wednesday morning. His remarks added to growing praise for Nahid from the visiting camp.
New Zealand pacer Will O’Rourke also praised Nahid during a press conference held a few hours later. With such reactions coming from opposition players and officials, Nahid Rana inevitably became a central topic when Bangladesh pace bowling coach Shaun Tait addressed the media ahead of the third ODI in Chattogram.
At the Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Stadium press conference, Tait was asked about Nahid’s workload, injury risk, and whether he was developing new variations in his bowling arsenal. The discussion largely focused on whether the young pacer was adding new “weapons” to his game.
Tait, however, urged caution and simplicity. He said that while modern cricket, particularly T20 cricket, encourages fast bowlers to develop multiple variations, it is not necessary for Nahid to overcomplicate his approach at this stage. According to him, Nahid is an intelligent cricketer and is currently benefiting most from sticking to what already works.
In the second ODI against New Zealand, Nahid bowled at high intensity throughout his 10-over spell. Only one delivery in his entire spell was below 140 km/h. His wickets came through a combination of full-length deliveries, bouncers, and a yorker, all bowled at high pace.
Nahid Rana’s wicket deliveries (2nd ODI)
| Type of delivery | Wickets | Pace range |
|---|---|---|
| Full length | 1 | 141+ km/h |
| Bouncer | 3 | 141+ km/h |
| Yorker | 1 | 141+ km/h |
Tait explained that although Nahid has slower balls in his repertoire, there is no need to use them unless required. He noted that many fast bowlers who operate at lower speeds rely heavily on variation, but Nahid is different because his main weapons are pace and a hostile bouncer.
He added that Nahid is currently taking plenty of wickets using short-pitched deliveries and raw pace. Over time, he is expected to develop further skills, but for now, simplicity is key. Tait’s message was clear: Nahid should continue focusing on bowling fast and keeping things uncomplicated.
The Bangladesh pace coach also praised Nahid’s physical ability and consistency. He described him as a valuable asset for Bangladesh cricket, highlighting his fitness and athletic build, which reduce his susceptibility to injury. Tait also compared Nahid’s physique favourably with his own playing days, noting that Nahid appears more naturally athletic and better suited to sustaining high-speed bowling.
Reflecting on Nahid’s bowling, Tait particularly highlighted his yorker in the previous match. He said it reminded him of the era of Pakistani great Wasim Akram, where fast bowlers could take wickets both in the top order and against tailenders with equal effectiveness.