Nahid rana: Mirpur’s Shines with Five Wickets Against New Zealand
What does it take for a young cricketer to make a mark on the international stage? For Nahid Rana, it was a stunning five-wicket haul that led Bangladesh to a vital victory over New Zealand in Mirpur on April 20, 2026.
Rana’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He took 5 wickets for just 32 runs, helping to bowl New Zealand out for 198 runs in 48.4 overs. This win was crucial, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.
Fans at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium erupted as the young bowler dismantled the opposition’s batting order. The highlight of his spell included dismissing key players like Henry Nicholls and Will Young, both of whom have been formidable in recent matches.
The match had its tense moments. New Zealand’s Nick Kelly stood out with a resilient 83 runs off 102 balls, but Rana’s precision and skill ensured that the rest of the batting lineup faltered. His five-wicket haul marked his second in just 10 ODIs, showcasing his rapid ascent in the cricketing world.
On the batting side, Bangladesh’s chase was anchored by Tanzid Hasan, who scored an impressive 76 runs off 58 balls. Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed with 50 runs before retiring hurt, adding pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.
This match not only highlighted Rana’s talent but also illustrated how crucial local venues like Mirpur are for nurturing homegrown talent. Just months prior, he had showcased his skills during an impressive stint with Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026.
The series decider is now set for April 23 in Chattogram, where fans will be eager to see if Rana can replicate his performance and help secure a series win for Bangladesh. Yet, details remain unconfirmed about whether Shanto will recover in time to play.
Nahid Rana’s journey is just beginning, but with performances like this, he is quickly becoming a name to watch in international cricket.
