Nahid Rana gets a reality check on T20I debut

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana received a reality check in the shortest format as he made his T20I debut against UAE in Sharjah on Monday (May 19), reports Cricbuzz.

UAE pulled off a two-wicket win over the visitors - their maiden T20I victory against Bangladesh - to level the three-match series. The game also marked the T20I debut of Rana, arguably the fastest bowler in the country.

Rana has made an impressive start in Tests and ODIs, and there was considerable hype around his T20I debut. However, his first outing in the format began with two successive no-balls, the second of which was a beamer that went for six.

The right-arm pacer failed to live up to expectations, conceding 50 runs in his four overs. He picked up two wickets at the death, but had already given away 18 runs in his first over.

It was far from an ideal start for Rana, who looked erratic in his pursuit of extra pace rather than sticking to the basics. The hosts made the most of it, as the batters seemed well prepared for his short-ball approach. Mohammad Waseem (82) capitalised on Rana's pace, frequently playing him square of the wicket.