Lahore Qalandars fast bowler Haris Rauf has offered a measured response to questions about Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana’s express pace, saying that while raw speed is a valuable asset, understanding conditions and reading the pitch are ultimately what separate good bowlers from great ones.
Rana has been one of the talking points of the Pakistan Super League season, consistently bowling close to 150 kmph for Peshawar Zalmi and keeping batters under sustained pressure with his relentless pace. His performances have drawn widespread attention, with Zalmi having already secured their place in the playoffs.
When asked specifically about Rana’s pace, Rauf was thoughtful rather than effusive, pushing back gently on the notion that speed alone defines a bowler’s quality.
“You keep talking about pace, pace, pace,” he said. “When someone bowls with consistent pace, you then ask whether he has a slower ball or why he isn’t using variations. As a bowler, I think everyone wants to be the best in every situation. The most important thing is understanding conditions and reading the pitch demand. Sometimes the ball carries well, sometimes you need to use slower deliveries. These things are important.”
Rauf was nonetheless complimentary about his fellow fast bowler, acknowledging the impact Rana has made. “There is no doubt Nahid is bowling well and taking wickets,” he said. “Others bowl differently and continue in their own style.”
The Lahore pacer also used the opportunity to highlight the variety of skills within Pakistan’s fast bowling ranks, pointing to Shaheen Shah Afridi as an example of how different attributes can be equally effective.
“We have different types of bowlers in Pakistan. Take Shaheen, for example — he generates excellent swing with the new ball. Some have swing, others rely on pace. Every bowler is different and plays to their strengths.”
With the PSL playoffs secured, Rana has now returned to Bangladesh to prepare for the upcoming series against New Zealand. Having announced himself on one of cricket’s most competitive franchise stages, the young fast bowler will be eager to carry that momentum into international cricket.
