Nahid Rana Rejoins Peshawar Zalmi Ahead of PSL 11 Final Boost

Bangladesh's fast bowler Nahid Rana is back with Peshawar Zalmi just in time for the Pakistan Super League 11 final this Sunday, thanks to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) reinstating his No-Objection Certificate (NOC). 

Originally, the BCB had allowed Rana to play in the tournament only until April 13, after which he was pulled out as part of a workload management strategy.  To help him recover, he was also rested for the first two T20 Internationals in Bangladesh’s ongoing home series against New Zealand. 

However, after a recent evaluation, the board has given him the green light to participate in the PSL final. In an official statement, the BCB highlighted how crucial franchise cricket is for a player's growth and confirmed that Rana has received full medical clearance. 

Rana has been on fire lately. In his four outings for Zalmi, he’s bagged seven wickets with an impressive average of 10.85 and an economy rate of 5.42, including a remarkable spell of 3 for 7 against Karachi Kings. 

He’s also shone on the international stage, taking 5 for 32 in the second One Day International against New Zealand and finishing the series as the top wicket-taker with eight wickets. 

While Rana was initially set to gear up for Bangladesh’s upcoming Test series against Pakistan, starting on May 8 in Dhaka, the BCB has confirmed he’s still in the running for selection. Meanwhile, PSL 11 is wrapping up, with the debutant Hyderabad Kingsmen ready to take on Shadab Khan-led Islamabad United in Eliminator 2. 

The Kingsmen made it through after beating Multan Sultans in Eliminator 1, while Islamabad United fell short against Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier. Zalmi have already secured their spot in the final and will face the winner of Eliminator 2 in the grand showdown on Sunday.