Why Bangladesh Replacing Tanzim Hasan Sakib With Nahid Rana Was A Masterstroke

Why picking Nahid Rana was a good choice [Source: @Nahid_Rana45/X.com]

Bangladesh have entered the battlefield to take on New Zealand in a do-or-die match at the Rawalpindi Stadium. The Tigers lost their opening match of the tournament against India and will need to beat the Kiwis to stay alive in the competition. For that, they made a crucial change in the playing XI.

After a lacklustre showing against India, Bangladesh decided to drop Tanzim Hasan Sakib and have replaced him with Nahid Rana, and this could turn to be an interesting choice. With no room for any lapse, the Bangladesh side have gone in with their strongest side and the inclusion of Nahid Rana could be a masterstroke and here's why.

Has that extra pace to trouble the batter

Average pace of the two bowlers

Nahid Rana has that X-factor which Tanzim is missing at the moment. Nahid Rana is an express pacer who can easily click 140s and this could genuinely be a difference when New Zealand will come out to bat.

He has a really good bouncer and a bumper coming in at 140 clicks could pose a challenge for the New Zealand batters, who are in brilliant form. The Rawalpindi pitch has nothing for the bowlers, but if Nahid bends his back he could be the saviour for Bangladesh on a lifeless pitch.

Is a genuine match-winner for Bangladesh

For a long time, Bangladesh craved for a genuine fast bowler, someone who can bowl at rapid pace and then came Nahid Rana. The fast bowler, in his short career has shown glimpses of his brilliant performances.

He has had a brilliant start to his Test career and is oozing with confidence at the moment. Hence, making an in-form player sit at the bench is not a good idea, hence, this was a masterstroke to include the fiery pacer in the lineup.

---

ALSO READ

Where To Watch BAN vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025 Match 6? Channel, Live Streaming, Date And Time

---