Mohammad Asif: “Ali Raza will prove to be one of the best bowlers in red-ball cricket”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Asif has predicted that fellow quick Ali Raza will become “one of the best bowlers in red-ball cricket”.
Many believe Raza is destined for stardom after delivering strong performances for Pakistan’s Under-19 team and at the domestic level.
The 18-year-old impressed in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), taking 10 wickets in five matches for Peshawar Zalmi at an average of 16.80 and an economy rate of 9.78.
In red-ball cricket, the teenager has featured in six first-class games and claimed 32 wickets, which includes two five-wicket hauls, at an average of 20.50.
“Ali Raza will prove to be one of the best bowlers in red-ball cricket,” Asif was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X.
Raza was not selected for Pakistan’s recent two-Test series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago, which finished as a 1-1 draw.
He also didn’t make the cut for the ongoing three-Test series against England, where the men in green trail 1-0 after losing the 1st Test in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs.
The 2nd Test will get underway on August 27 at Lord’s.
Pakistan Squad for England Test Series: Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah