Babar gives mixed appraisal of Rana

Pakistan batter Babar Azam gave a somewhat contrasting appraisal of Bangladesh paceman Nahid Rana after the tall fast bowler dismissed the right-handed batter for the third time in as many Test matches.

On the two previous occasions in 2024, the 23-year old got the better of the Pakistani batting legend once each in two Tests, both in Rawalpindi.

In the latest instance, the right-arm quick accounted for the wicket of the 31-year old, who made 68 off 84 deliveries, featuring 10 fours.

When queried if Rana had Babar’s number, the former Pakistan captain wasn’t impressed.

“No, I don't think so (edge over Babar). He is like one of the fast bowlers right now in red-ball cricket. So, you face a 140-150 (kph) bowler in every team. So, you try to do… handle the things. So I try my level best to play my natural game. So, sometimes you (score) runs, sometimes you are out. So yeah,” Babar told reporters after the second day of the second Test in Sylhet on Sunday.

But Babar did go on to praise Rana later, saying, “I think he's very talented, and the main thing is his pace. He is outstanding, and his control, and day by day, he is improving his bowling. I wish (him) all the best for the future."