Speedster Nahid focused on winning performances, not numbers

Fast bowler Nahid Rana said his only aim is to deliver match-winning performances for his team after a fiery spell powered Rangpur Riders to victory in the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Saturday.

The 23-year-old pacer rattled the opposition at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, returning figures of three for 11 from four overs without conceding a boundary — his most economical four-over spell in T20 cricket.

Nahid dismissed Saif Hassan with a sharp delivery that hit the off stump after taking the edge, before removing Sabbir Rahman and Mohammad Mithun in similar celebrations of pace and control.

Despite the standout performance, Nahid downplayed individual milestones, stressing that team success matters more than personal statistics.

“First of all, Alhamdulillah,” Nahid said after the match. “When I come on to bowl, I don’t think about personal targets. I think only about how I can help my team win and deliver a match-winning performance. Being able to contribute to a victory is what makes me happiest.”

Nahid has been among the most economical bowlers in the ongoing BPL, leaking runs at just 6.36 an over across 19.1 overs. Against Noakhali Express earlier in the tournament, he gave away only 17 runs in four overs.

The right-arm quick said economy rate was secondary to impact at crucial moments.

“Giving more or fewer runs doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “What matters is whether I can deliver a winning performance for the team. Even if I concede runs early but take wickets at the end to win the match, I will be happy.”

Despite his growing impact, Nahid remains outside Bangladesh’s T20 World Cup plans, but said selection was not his concern.

“Selection is not in my hands,” he said. “My job is to perform. If I have the skill and I am worthy, the opportunity will come — whether sooner or later.”

Known for his raw pace, Nahid has consistently crossed the 150 kph mark in this BPL. However, he said speed alone is not enough in modern cricket.

“Pace is partly a gift from God,” he said. “But discipline and skill development are crucial. International cricket is evolving, and without improving your skills, you can’t survive for long. I’m trying to improve my skills along with my pace.”