Nahid Rana (born 2 October 2002) is a Bangladeshi cricketer and fast bowler for the Rajshahi Division cricket team in a domestic league. Nahid Rana holds the record for the fastest ball bowled (152.0kph) by a Bangladeshi bowler in international cricket.
Nahid grew up in Chapai Nawabganj district, and started playing cricket in 2020. After receiving his Higher Secondary School Certificate in 2020, he started training at a cricket academy in Rajshahi. Initially a net bowler for the Rajshahi Division batters, he impressed scouts through his high-speed bowling.
Rana began playing cricket with a taped tennis ball in his village before later joining a cricket academy in Rajshahi to develop his fast-bowling skills.
Nahid made his first-class debut on October 31st 2021, for Rajshahi Division in the 2021âÂÂ22 National Cricket League. On October 31st 2022, he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, against Barishal Division in the 2022âÂÂ23 National Cricket League. He was the second highest-wicket taker in the tournament, picking up 32 wickets.
In January 2023, he was selected to play for Khulna Tigers in the 2022âÂÂ23 Bangladesh Premier League. He made his Twenty20 debut on January 24th 2023, for Khulna Tigers in that tournament. In his debut match, he took 1 wicket conceding 20 runs from 4 overs, and grabbed everyone's attention by constantly bowling around 140-150 km/h.
In the 2022âÂÂ23 National Cricket League, Rana finished as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 32 wickets.
He made his List A debut on March 21st 2023, for Shinepukur Cricket Club in the 2022âÂÂ23 Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League.
In January 2026, playing for Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League, Rana took 3 wickets for 11 runs in four overs against Dhaka Capitals, helping his team secure an 11-run victory.
In September 2023, he was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2023 Asian Games.
In March 2024, he earned his maiden call-up to the Bangladesh's Test squad for their series against Sri Lanka. He made his Test debut for Bangladesh on 22 March 2024, against Sri Lanka.
During the 2nd Innings of Pakistan of 2nd Test, Nahid Rana bowled 152.0 KPH, the fastest ball delivered by a Bangladeshi pacer in international cricket. He bowled 73% of his deliveries above 140 KPH that series. He also took 4 wickets in the second innings to essay a historic win for Bangladesh.
On 12 January 2025, he was named in Bangladesh's squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.