T20 World Cup
Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana praised the influence of the team’s fast bowling coach Shaun Tait after delivering a match-winning performance against Pakistan in the first ODI of the series.
Rana produced an outstanding spell, claiming a five-wicket haul that helped Bangladesh secure an impressive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Shere Bangla Stadium in Dhaka. The win also marked Bangladesh’s first ODI victory over Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2018.
ALSO READ
Post-Match Media Conference: Nahid Rana (Bangladesh)
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) March 11, 2026
1st ODI | Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh 🆚Pakistan ODI Series 2026 🏏🔥
11 March 2026 | 2:15 PM (BST)
SBNCS, Dhaka#BCB #Cricket #Bangladesh #Pakistan #ODI pic.twitter.com/phJE9euVNP
The performance came in just Rana’s 17th international appearance for Bangladesh. After the match, the 23-year-old pacer highlighted the guidance and support he has received from former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait, who currently serves as Bangladesh’s fast bowling coach.
“To be honest, he (Tait) is an outstanding coach because he behaves with us not only as a coach but also as a friend,” Rana said, as quoted by ICC.
“Whenever we need something, he provides it. He always tells us to stick to our strengths and to let him know if we need anything. He says, ‘Whatever you need, just tell me. I am here to guide you. You will play on the field, I will give you the plan, and you have to execute it and win the match.’ So he always motivates us and gives us the best guidance,” the right-arm seamer added.
Rana also explained that he focuses more on developing his skills rather than simply bowling at high speeds, emphasizing that skill plays a bigger role than raw pace in international cricket.
“Honestly, I don’t think too much about speed. In international cricket, skill matters more than pure pace. So I am trying to work more on improving my skills,” Rana said.
The young pacer also acknowledged the advice he received from senior Bangladesh bowlers Mustafizur Rahman and Taskin Ahmed during the match. According to Rana, their suggestions about bowling in the right areas proved crucial.
“In the beginning, Fizz Bhai (Mustafizur Rahman) and Taskin Bhai (Taskin Ahmed) were bowling. I was talking with them on the field about what was happening on the wicket. They told me that if you hit the right areas or maintain a proper line and length in certain spots, it becomes difficult for the batters to play. So I just tried to execute that on the field,” he said.
Rana also credited his familiarity with the venue for helping him deliver an effective spell.
“I have played many matches on this ground before, so I tried to use that experience, understanding which line and length work best here and how to get help from the wicket. For me, every wicket is special. I don’t think about cricket in terms of a wicket being good today and bad tomorrow. I believe that a bowler should understand the wicket first, whatever the condition is, and then bowl according to what the wicket demands.”
Bangladesh dominated the opening ODI, bowling Pakistan out for a modest total before chasing down the target comfortably.
Chasing 115 runs, Bangladesh reached the target in just 15.1 overs. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim played a brilliant unbeaten innings of 67 runs from 42 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes to guide the hosts to victory.
The win gave Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against Pakistan.
Get every cricket update! Follow us on
