Whether it’s international cricket, domestic matches, or even the PSL – among all the bowlers he has faced, Saad Masood asserts that the toughest one is Bangladesh pacer Nahid Rana.

The sheer pace of Nahid left a strong impression on the young batter. The 21-year-old all-rounder faced just five deliveries from him, but even those few balls felt like one of the most challenging moments of his career.

Speaking recently to PakPassion, Saad shared his experience. He made his debut for Pakistan on March 15 in Mirpur. That day, he faced Nahid for only five balls, but it was enough for him to feel that Nahid is the toughest bowler he has encountered so far.

When asked about the most difficult bowler in his career, Saad said, “Facing Nahid Rana was a completely different experience. His raw pace and bounce brought a level of intensity that you don’t usually see. He is very different from other fast bowlers.”

So far, Saad has played only that one ODI for Pakistan, and it came in a high-pressure match. It was a series-decider, and he had to bat under pressure. He built a good partnership with Salman Ali Agha, but eventually got out after scoring 38 off 44 balls, dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman. In the end, Bangladesh won the match by 11 runs and took the series.

Saad feels that his dismissal played a role in Pakistan losing the game, and it still bothers him.

However, despite the disappointment, the memory of his debut remains special. He said,

“Ever since I started playing cricket, I had only one dream – to get my Pakistan debut cap. It was a huge moment for me and my family.”

He added, “But I couldn’t perform to my full potential. I tried, but I made mistakes, and that cost us the series. Still, I had a good partnership with Agha bhai.”

The 21-year-old leg-spinning all-rounder is currently playing in the PSL for the Rawalpindi Royals.

Nahid Rana’s intimidating presence on the field has left an indelible mark on the young batsman, who believes that facing him is a test of one’s mettle in the world of cricket.