Pakistan’s fast-bowling pipeline continues to deliver exciting prospects, and Ali Raza has emerged as the latest name to capture attention after a remarkable performance in PSL 2026.
The 18-year-old pacer produced a stunning hat-trick against Karachi Kings during match 32 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, showcasing his pace, composure, and ability to execute under pressure.
Match-Turning Spell in the Final Over
Playing just his fourth game of his second PSL season, Ali Raza has already become an important part of Peshawar Zalmi’s campaign. His defining moment came in the closing stages of the innings when captain Babar Azam entrusted him with the final over.
Karachi Kings, who had been building towards a strong total, initially took advantage, striking a boundary and a six early in the over. However, Ali Raza responded with a dramatic turnaround.
He first dismissed Khushdil Shah before removing Shahid Aziz and Hasan Ali on consecutive deliveries to complete a hat-trick, restricting Karachi to 182/9.
Entry into PSL Hat-Trick History
The feat marked the seventh hat-trick in Pakistan Super League history, placing Ali Raza alongside notable names in the tournament’s record books.
Hat-tricks in PSL history:
- Mohammad Amir – Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars, Dubai, 2016
- Junaid Khan – Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars, Dubai, 2018
- Imran Tahir – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators, Sharjah, 2018
- Mohammad Sami – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi, Sharjah, 2019
- Abbas Afridi – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators, Rawalpindi, 2023
- Akeal Hosein – Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi, Rawalpindi, 2024
- Ali Raza – Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings, Lahore, 2026
With this performance, the young pacer has quickly etched his name into PSL history.
Rising Prospect in Pakistan’s Pace Factory
Ali Raza’s performance further reinforces Pakistan’s long-standing reputation for producing high-quality fast bowlers. His figures of 4 for 41, which also included the wicket of David Warner earlier in the innings, underlined his impact in the match.
Having already impressed at the U19 level, he continues to build his reputation on the senior stage, contributing significantly to Peshawar Zalmi’s strong run in PSL 2026 under Babar Azam’s leadership.
