It was late in-coming, but the noise was loud. In the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League 2026 played on April 22, Ali Raza, who was only 18 years old then, took his game to new heights. While bowling his final over, he took an impressive hat-trick against Karachi Kings, thereby setting the record straight. Ali Raza allowed boundaries initially but managed to bounce right back in no time. The hat-trick sealed the Karachi score at 182/9, which was simply incredible.
The feat not only ensured a victory in the particular game but also brought the player under the spotlight of Pakistani fast-bowling talent pool. Although quite young in his professional career, he had been making names for himself in U19 cricket and even T20 league games. His rise hints at a bigger journey ahead, one that is just beginning to take shape on the big stage.
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Babar Azam, Captain Of Peshawar Zalmi was all-praise for Raza as he said, “Ali Raza is an outstanding talent. Main thing is, he tries to learn every day. He always have a discussion after every bowl, what to bowl next, so the learning process never stops.”
The Hat-Trick Which Caused Total Collapse
It was all decided within a fraction of a second. Firstly, Khushdil Shah attempted to play an attacking yorker, which made him lose his footing, and he removed his own stumps, thereby getting hit wicket out. Second, Shahid Aziz could not handle a bouncer pitched full and on the body, which resulted in the stumps being hit. Finally, the last blow came. Hasan Ali played a full throw up at 149 kmph, resulting in the stumps being broken.
Elite Company: A Rare Hat-Trick Club
This trick allowed Ali Raza to become part of an elite club of PSL bowlers consisting of names such as Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, and Imran Tahir. It was his seventh hat-trick recorded in the history of the league. Importantly, it marked the first hat-trick for a bowler from Peshawar Zalmi. He was 18 years old when he pulled it off.
| Date | Bowler | Team | Opposition |
| 5 February 2016 | Mohammad Amir | Karachi Kings | Lahore Qalandars |
| 23 February 2018 | Junaid Khan | Multan Sultans | Lahore Qalandars |
| 3 March 2018 | Imran Tahir | Multan Sultans | Quetta Gladiators |
| 22 February 2019 | Mohammad Sami | Islamabad United | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 11 March 2023 | Abbas Afridi | Multan Sultans | Quetta Gladiators |
| 8 March 2024 | Akeal Hosein | Quetta Gladiators | Peshawar Zalmi |
| 22 April 2026 | Ali Raza | Peshawar Zalmi | Karachi Kings |
A Message Beyond One Match
The role that Raza played extended beyond his figures. He bowled well earlier in the game too to send David Warner packing. His stats ended up being 4 for 41. Though costly, he delivered at crucial junctures of the game. His speed and cool temperament made all the difference.
In contrast, Zalmi went about chasing their target with great ease, owing to Kusal Mendis’ brilliance. However, the highlight was still Raza’s bowling over. Fast bowling is the forte of Pakistani cricket, but now there is another player to watch out for.
