Ali Raza Archives

Ali Raza named in ICC U19 World Cup Team of the Tournament

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the men’s U19 World Cup team of the tournament, including Pakistan fast bowler Ali Raza.

The team is led by runners-up of the tournament England’s skipper Thomas Rew, joined by compatriots Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes.

Meanwhile, the tournament winners, India, have three players on the team, including their teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Rew was added on the back of a stellar run in the tournament, where he amassed 330 runs at an average of 66, including a sublime century in the semi-final against Australia.

Manny Lumsden and Ben Mayes were added to the team, with both leading run scorers and wicket takers of the tournament.

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The notable inclusion was of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who shattered multiple records during his epic 175 from 80 in the final against England.

Overall, he amassed 439 runs, falling just six short of the tournament’s highest run getter. The southpaw scored one century and three fifties at a strike rate of 169.49.

The sole Pakistani player in the team was Ali Raza, who was included on the back of his 13 wickets at 13.92.

The team was picked by a panel comprising Ian Bishop (Convenor), Lydia Greenway, Andy Flower, and Telford Vice.

ICC U19 team of the tournament:

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Viran Chamuditha, Faisal Khan Shinozada, Thomas Rew (c/wk), Oliver Peake, Ben Mayes, Kanishk Chouhan, Nooristani Omarzai, Vitel Lawes, Ali Raza, Manny Lumsden and Henil Patel (12th player).

READ: PSL 11 auction: Base prices of Haris Rauf, Amir, Rizwan revealed

Wasim Akram tips THIS pacer as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling sensation

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has thrown his weight behind teenage pacer Ali Raza, calling him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in Pakistan cricket.

In an interview with Wisden Cricket, the former Pakistan captain praised Raza’s raw pace and natural talent, saying that with proper guidance, the youngster could develop into a world-class bowler.

“I very rarely watch Pakistan’s first-class cricket, but I think this young fast bowler, Ali Raza, has a bright future ahead,” Akram said.

“If he’s guided properly and understands what it takes to become a top red-ball bowler, the white-ball success will follow automatically.”

Wasim Akram also shared his optimism about the current global pace scene, pointing out that Shaheen Shah Afridi, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Starc have all rediscovered their rhythm.

“Shaheen, in particular, has regained his pace, which is a great sign,” he noted.

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However, he did not hold back when addressing what he sees as one of the sport’s biggest challenges, which is politics creeping into cricket.

“What I don’t like in cricket is politics; sports should be away from it,” he said. “In league cricket, every player from every nation should be picked. Be brave, be bigger, but that’s not happening, unfortunately.”

“That’s where the ICC and cricket boards need to step in. Regardless of who owns the leagues or the teams, opportunities should be open for everyone,” he added.

For the unversed, seventeen-year-old Ali Raza has been one of the breakout performers of PSL 10, representing Peshawar Zalmi.

The right-arm quick picked up 12 wickets in nine matches at an average of 25.25 and an economy rate of 9.18, earning plaudits from both fans and former players.

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Ali Raza clears the air on eye health rumours

Teenage fast bowler Ali Raza has brushed aside speculation regarding his eye health, insisting he is fully fit and focused on representing Pakistan at the highest level.

Speaking to the media during the PCB’s Skills Development Camp in Lahore, the 17-year-old addressed circulating rumours about an alleged eye issue and made it clear that his health is not a concern.

“I am relying on my hard work and self-belief. I am fully fit and have no issues with my eyes,” Raza clarified.

Recently, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also issued an official statement dismissing the rumours, confirming the young pacer’s availability for selection across all formats.

“Ali Raza has no eye disease and is available for selection,” a PCB official said.

Raza, who impressed during Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 with 12 wickets for Peshawar Zalmi, also responded to praise from former West Indies pacer Ian Bishop.

“If someone like Ian Bishop praises you, it’s a big honour. I want to prove that his praise is justified,” Raza remarked.

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Drawing inspiration from Pakistan’s iconic fast bowlers, Ali Raza said he aims to blend Shoaib Akhtar’s pace, Wasim Akram’s swing, and Waqar Younis’ yorkers into his own bowling.

“I want to develop those kinds of skills and be remembered for my bowling. I want to learn how to adapt to different conditions and become a complete fast bowler,” he added.

The teenager also acknowledged the guidance of Peshawar Zalmi’s captain, Babar Azam, during the PSL 10.

“Babar Azam supported me a lot during the PSL. I want to give my best for the country,” he said.

It’s worth noting that Ali Raza has also featured in 11 Youth ODIs for Pakistan U19, where he picked up 26 wickets at an economy rate of 4.91.

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Babar Azam wants THESE two Peshawar Zalmi stars in Pakistan’s future plans

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has thrown his weight behind two of Peshawar Zalmi’s emerging talents, Abdul Samad and Ali Raza, as potential future prospects for the national side.

Speaking on the Zalmi TV podcast, Babar was asked to name young players he believes are capable of graduating to the international stage.

Without hesitation, the Peshawar Zalmi captain highlighted Samad and Raza, calling them “our young blood.”

“Abdul Samad is still new and has a lot of room to grow,” Babar said, adding that the batter needs to fine-tune his game to meet the demands of international cricket. “You have to be ready for that level.”

Babar Azam reserved high praise for teenage pacer Ali Raza, calling him a “special talent” who has what it takes to shine for Pakistan in the near future.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“He [Ali Raza] is a special talent and capable of playing at the international level,” he added.

“But he needs time, and with gradual development, he will be ready for international cricket.”

Samad, 27, made his T20I debut against New Zealand in the five-match series held in April.

While he showed glimpses of promise, he struggled for consistency, scoring 66 runs in five matches with a top score of 44. His series strike rate of 113.79 and average of 16.50 highlight the adjustment phase he’s currently going through.

Meanwhile, in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, Samad has scored 44 runs at a strike rate of 200 in four matches for Peshawar Zalmi.

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On the other hand, 17-year-old Ali Raza has emerged as one of the breakout performers of PSL 10.

The young right-arm quick has claimed nine wickets in seven matches, maintaining a healthy average of 24.11 and an economy rate of 8.03, showcasing both wicket-taking ability and control.

Meanwhile, Zalmi are set to resume their PSL 10 campaign later today with a high-voltage clash against Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The league had been briefly suspended last week amid rising cross-border tensions with India, but normal service has now resumed.

READ: PSL 10 set to resume with musical tribute to armed forces

Former England cricketer heaps high praise on emerging pacer Ali Raza

Former England pacer and commentator Dominic Cork has praised Pakistan’s emerging pacer Ali Raza after his impressive performance against Multan Sultans in the PSL 10.

After posting an imposing 227-run total, Zalmi’s bowling unit came out with relentless intent and ensured there was no room for a comeback from the Sultans.

The chase began shakily for Multan Sultans, who lost their skipper Mohammad Rizwan (15) in the fourth over with only 27 runs on the board. Despite a brief 36-run stand between Usman Khan and Shai Hope, the resistance was short-lived.

Arif Yaqoob removed Hope (20) in the seventh over, opening the floodgates for a collapse that saw Multan Sultans lose their remaining eight wickets for just 44 runs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Usman was the only batter to offer any real fight, scoring a 22-ball 44 laced with four fours and three sixes, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings.

Young pacer Ali Raza was the pick of the bowlers for Peshawar Zalmi, grabbing 4/21 in his four overs. Arif Yaqoob showed his brilliance by grabbing three wickets, while Mitchell Owen chipped in with two.

This commanding result eclipsed the previous best margin of victory Peshawar Zalmi, which was a 76-run win over Quetta Gladiators last season.

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While speaking during the PSL 10 match, Cork emphasized on Ali’s potential, stressing the need for smarter management with the young bowler.

“Ali Raza is a real talent – look after him. Focus on core strength and stability, ” he said.

“It’s not just about lifting heavy but managing it smartly. Nurture him. We’ve seen pacers like Ihsanullah shine and then struggle post-injury. Don’t repeat that,” Cork added.

It is worth mentioning that West Indies’ legendary cricketer and renowned commentator Ian Bishop has lauded Ali Raza’s abilities on several occasions.

Ian Bishop took to Twitter to express his admiration for the exceptional skills of a young pacer following their impressive performances in the Under-19 and domestic tournaments.

The 17-year-old fast bowler, who debuted in first-class cricket last year, has started impressively, taking 32 wickets in just six matches.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi create history with dominant victory over Multan Sultans