ABDULLAH AL MEHDI

The world is hyping to one tune right now. The FIFA World Cup. And Bangladesh is no different. But one speed star is breaking barriers like never before, taking the share of the attention. Nahid Rana.

Rana is a sensation unlike any before in Bangladesh cricket. His fiery spell in the first ODI against Australia proved he understands his place in the nation’s cricketing dreams. It feels as though the cumulative hopes of a country have been answered in a single pacer - one who bowls so terrifyingly fast that opponents cower before a ball is even delivered.

Rana’s blitzkrieg pace was on full show on Tuesday, intentionally unleashed against a mighty Australian lineup as a statement of intent. The catalyst for his violent spell arrived when Australian skipper Josh Inglis crunched a back-foot drive off a 148.4 kph delivery. That shot fired Rana up like nothing else.

He returned the next over, bowling every single delivery at 147 kph or above. Inglis, completely rooted to the crease, nicked one behind the wicket. Rana’s aggressive celebration and vocal send-off carried genuine substance.

Given Australia’s trademark steel, this friction will undoubtedly add spice to the rest of the series. Rana’s four-wicket haul secured the best ODI figures by a Bangladeshi bowler against Australia since the Tigers attained ODI status.

If pace is the ultimate currency, Rana is in full business. Consequently, despite the looming World Cup, the Bangladesh team has a golden opportunity to seal a memorable series victory.

Rana isn’t just turning heads domestically. West Indies legendary fast bowler Ian Bishop openly marveled at the serious “heat” Rana generated. “Nahid Rana is yet to play international cricket in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, or England. That’s a mouthwatering prospect if he continues on this upward trend,” Bishop tweeted.

Australian batsman Alex Carey also acknowledged the daunting prospect of facing Rana in the upcoming matches.

“He bowled really well,” Carey told reporters. “I think we all knew the pace, but until you face it firsthand… he’s a really tall athlete and gets bounce as well. We’ve got a chance to play against him in the next two ODIs on Thursday and Sunday, and hopefully, we can keep him out of the series from now on.”

Searching for a five-wicket haul, Rana clocked his fastest delivery of the match at 150.5 kph. He clearly wanted that ultimate recognition that only Australia can induce.

Carey even noted that Rana was welcome to join him at the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

With 20 wickets in just seven matches, Rana is now the leading ODI wicket-taker this year.

While Mosaddek Hossain’s brilliant innings saved Bangladesh’s blushes on Tuesday, the Tigers will look to their new spearhead to seal an incredible series win this Thursday.