Wasim Akram: “Salman Mirza and Ali Raza also bowled well”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Iconic Pakistan left-arm speedster Wasim Akram has lauded fast bowlers Salman Mirza and Ali Raza, saying they have been bowling well.
Both players were involved in the 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL), with Mirza playing for the Lahore Qalandars and Raza representing the Peshawar Zalmi.
In four matches, 31-year-old left-arm pacer Mirza took nine wickets at an average of 15 and an economy rate of 9.64.
As for 17-year-old Raza, he finished with 12 wickets in nine games at an average of 25.25 and an economy rate of 9.18.
“Salman Mirza and Ali Raza also bowled well,” Wasim was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan.
After PSL 10, Pakistan faced Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series, but neither Mirza nor Raza were picked for it.
However, during Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh, Mirza made his international debut and did extremely well, claiming seven wickets in three T20Is at an unbelievable average of 8.57 and an economy rate of 5.21.
After back-to-back series against Bangladesh, Pakistan toured the West Indies for three T20Is and three ODIs, but Mirza and Raza did not make the cut in both squads.
The men in green then faced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan in a T20I tri-series in Sharjah, which they won.
Mirza was included in Pakistan’s team for that tournament and he ended up taking one wicket in two games at an average of 74 and an economy rate of 9.25.
Pakistan are now participating in the 2025 Asia Cup, which is being played in the UAE.
They began their campaign with a 93-run win over Oman, but then proceeded to lose to India by seven wickets.
Next up for Pakistan will be a clash against the UAE on September 17 in Dubai.
Pakistan squad for UAE T20I tri-series and 2025 Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem
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