Nahid Rana Excels in Fitness Test with Fastest 1600-Meter Run

DHAKA: Several members of the Bangladesh cricket team did not meet expectations in a recent fitness evaluation conducted at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday, preceding the Asia Cup.

The assessment, implemented by the new strength and conditioning coach, Nathan Keily, substituted the standard Yo-Yo and beep tests with a 1600-meter run and a 40-meter sprint to evaluate the players’ physical condition.

While Nahid Rana distinguished himself by achieving the quickest time in the 1600-meter run, completing it in five minutes and 31 seconds among the 22 participants, several other players faced challenges.

Fast bowlers Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed, Tanvir Islam, and Shamim Patowary each took nearly eight minutes to conclude the run, falling short of the anticipated standard.

A team management representative stated, “Rana performed exceptionally well. While some others also performed admirably, a few cricketers did not live up to our expectations.”

Mehedi Hasan Miraz secured the second-fastest time in the initial group, finishing in six minutes and one second, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim, who completed the run in six minutes and 10 seconds.

In the second group of 15 players, Tanzim Hasan Sakib led with a time of five minutes and 53 seconds, followed by Shahadat Hossain Dipu in six minutes and Parvez Hossain Emon in six minutes and 13 seconds.

Six players from the provisional squad of 25 were absent from the test, including T20I captain Liton Kumar Das and Towhid Hridoy.

Additionally, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Saif Hasan, Afif Hossain, and Mahidul Islam Ankon are currently participating in the Bangladesh ‘A’ team tour of Australia and were also not present.

The fitness camp is part of Bangladesh’s preparations for an upcoming three-match T20I series at home against the Netherlands, which will be succeeded by the Asia Cup in the UAE.

Following the fitness exercises, the team will relocate to Sylhet on August 20 for a skills training camp.