Young pacer Nahid Rana has made a strong impression on his ODI debut against Afghanistan in the series-deciding third ODI in Sharjah. His impressive pace, even on debut, has already earned high praise from former West Indies cricketer and commentator Ian Bishop, who took to social media to commend Rana's potential.

Stepping in for Taskin Ahmed, Rana’s debut brought instant results as he unleashed serious speed against the Afghan batters. Known for his performances in the recent Test series against Pakistan, Rana continued his momentum here, bowling at an incredible 151 km/h — the fastest recorded by any Bangladeshi bowler to date. He consistently kept his pace above 140 km/h, troubling the Afghan batsmen on the Sharjah wicket. His first ODI wicket was Afghan opener Sediqullah Atal, whose stumps were shattered by Rana's lethal delivery.

Bishop emphasized the importance of supporting pacers like Rana, suggesting that Bangladesh should invest in top-notch strength and conditioning experts and dietitians for their bowlers. He wrote on social media platform X, “Bangladesh should be proactive and hire the best Strength and conditioning expert and dietician they can afford and attach them to Nahid Rana in particular, and their fast bowling group. Very impressive pace.”

Bangladesh batted first in the match, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the absence of regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was ruled out due to injury. The team initially struggled, but valuable knocks from Miraz and an impressive 98-run innings from Mahmudullah Riyad lifted Bangladesh to a defendable total of 244. Afghanistan is currently chasing the target.