Ali Raza 149.4 km/h Spell: 3/9 vs Quetta Gladiators in PSL 11

Pakistan cricket and fast bowling have an old relationship. From Waseem Akram to Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar, this soil has always given the world fast bowlers who have frightened the world. But what happened on the night of 19th April 2026, at Karachi National Bank Cricket Stadium, told the world of e-cricket that Pakistan is the 'king of fast bowling' and has now discovered a new diamond. The name of that diamond is Ali Raza.

In match number 27 of PSL 11, this 18-year-old young man from Peshawar Zalmi wreaked havoc against Quetta Gladiators, shattering old records.

The atmosphere of the match was heated, and Quetta Gladiators were chasing a big target of 256 runs. Then Babar Azam handed the ball to Ali Raza. Ali Raza bowled brilliantly, dismissing Hasan Nawaz. After this, he bowled a ball at a speed of 149.4 KM/H, which stunned all cricket fans and players. Ali Raza's spell was not just about speed, but his line and length were also killer. He gave away only 9 runs in his 4-over spell, and Ali Raza took the wickets of Hasan Nawaz, Usman Tariw, and Abrar Ahmad. His every ball became a problem for the batsmen. When Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana was out of the team due to national duty, Zalmi fans were a bit worried, but Ali Raza did not let his absence be felt and made Zalmi's bowling attack even more dangerous than before.

Who is Ali Raza? Where did this speed star come from?

Ali Raza hails from Sheikhupura, a small town in Punjab. Cricket was in his blood, but the path wasn't easy. From the local streets, he made his way to the National Academy through hard work and passion. He was called the "Speed ​​Demon" from the start because his natural pace far exceeded that of children his age.

Ali Raza didn't become a star overnight. He made his mark at the Under-19 level.

U-19 World Cup: He bowled exceptionally well for the Pakistan Under-19 team. His ability to reverse swing even an old ball sets him apart from other bowlers.

In his U-19 career, he holds the record for taking the most wickets in the fewest matches, and his average is less than 20, which are dream stats for a fast bowler.

Ali Raza made his debut in PSL 10 and caught the attention of the selectors immediately.

PSL 10: In his very first season, he surprised everyone with his speed and took wickets at crucial moments.

PSL 11: This year, Ali Raza is looking quite different. So far this season, he has taken 5 wickets in 3 matches and his economy rate is less than 7. These stats show that he is not only a fast bowler but also an intelligent bowler.

Is Ali Raza faster than the national team bowlers?

This question is on every cricket fan's lips these days. If we look at the stats, in the current Pakistan national team, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah generally bowl in the range of 135-145 km/h. Haris Rauf certainly touches 150, but the way Ali Raza is consistently hitting 145-149 km/h is truly astonishing.

Being so fast at the age of 18 is no small feat. If his speed is considered, he is currently among the top 3 fastest bowlers in Pakistan. His special thing is that he never gets tired; His third spell is as sharp as the first.

Ali Raza's journey from Emerging Player to match-winner has been rapid. Babar Azam even said in an interview, "Ali Raza is our asset." His bowling has the aggression that is the hallmark of a fast bowler. The way he has handled Peshawar Zalmi's bowling lineup after Nahid Rana's departure demonstrates his maturity.

Ali Raza is not just a bowler, but the hope of Pakistan cricket. His spell of 3/9 and that ball at 149.4 km/h will always be remembered. If the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) works properly on his fitness and skills, the day is not far when Ali Raza will strike fear into the hearts of the world's top batsmen.

Do you think Ali Raza should be included directly in Pakistan's T20 World Cup squad? In my opinion, this 'Sheikhpura Express' is unstoppable!

PSL 11 Overall Stats (Till April 19, 2026)

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