'They only create pressure': Rana unfazed by expectations

Bangladesh pace bowler Nahid Rana said on Sunday that he is staying clear of paying heed to expectations because he feels they only add unnecessary pressure.

The 23-year-old quick has become a hot topic in Bangladesh cricket because of his express pace.

"First of all, I am not looking at what people around me are saying because I do not really place expectations on myself," Rana, who picked up 3 for 60, told reporters after Day 2 of the Sylhet Test against Pakistan.

"Expectations never bring good things. I just try to execute my skills on the field and understand what my team wants from me and what plans my captain is giving me. My focus is always on whether I am able to execute those things or not."

"My focus is not on how much expectation people outside are placing on me because when you keep expectations on yourself, it becomes extra pressure. I am not putting that pressure on myself. I am just trying to help my team according to my skills," he added, stressing that discipline off the field is equally important.

"And about fitness, as a sportsman this is part of my routine. Since I have chosen cricket, there are things I need to do outside the game as well. I never ignore those things or cheat myself. I always try to keep my effort and fitness at a very high level."

Rana added that he is enjoying the guidance of Taskin Ahmed, who returned to the Test side for the Pakistan series, and said the pressure created by bowling partnerships always helps the team.

Taskin once again set the tone in Sylhet by removing Pakistan's two in-form openers, Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, early on. At the other end, Shoriful Islam, returning to the Test side after two years, kept things tight and created chances. Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets before Rana and Taijul Islam cleaned up the tail as Pakistan were bowled out for 232, handing Bangladesh a useful 44-run lead. Bangladesh ended the day with an overall lead of 156 runs.

"My relationship with him [Taskin] is very good. I have watched him play since I was young and, after seeing him up close, I see him as an elder brother. He always treats me with affection like a younger brother. Whenever I make mistakes, he tells me, 'Rana, it will be good for you if you do these things.' Because he has already gone through this phase of life and cricket, he guides me a lot."

Rana also said he would not hold back if opponents bowled bouncers at him. The bouncer battle between Rana and Pakistan's bowlers has been one of the defining subplots of the series. It began in Mirpur, where Shaheen Shah Afridi hit the Bangladesh fast bowler with a bouncer in the first innings of the opening Test.

"I do not know whether they will think twice or not, but I can say this much – if someone bowls bouncers at me, I will not spare them."