Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop has praised young Peshawar Zalmi pacer Ali Raza after his standout performance against Karachi Kings during their Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) match at Gaddafi Stadium.
Ali Raza delivered an impressive spell, taking four wickets for 41 runs, including a hat-trick in the final over. He dismissed Khushdil Shah, Shahid Aziz, and Hasan Ali with three consecutive deliveries.
Speaking on social media platform X, Bishop praised the 18-year-old’s rapid development and expressed confidence in his future. He highlighted the role of experienced coaches in guiding Ali Raza’s progress, including Otis Gibson and Azhar Mahmood.
“Ali Raza is in great hands with his current coaches, including Otis Gibson and Azhar Mahmood. Some compliments I pay in private one-on-one chats, brother. But I always keep an eye out for him. You keep playing your part too in highlighting him for the country. He is a good kid,” Bishop said.
Ali Raza is in great hands with his current coaches, including Otis Gibson and Azhar Mahmood. Some compliments I pay in private one on one chats brother. But I always keep an eye out for him. You keep playing your part to in highlighting him for the country. He is a good kid💪🏾.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) April 22, 2026
With this performance, Ali Raza became the youngest bowler to take a hat-trick in PSL history and the first player from Peshawar Zalmi to achieve the milestone. He is also only the seventh bowler overall to claim a hat-trick in the league and the fifth fast bowler to do so.
The first PSL hat-trick was recorded by Mohammad Amir for Karachi Kings against Lahore Qalandars in the tournament’s inaugural season. Other fast bowlers to achieve the feat include Junaid Khan, Mohammad Sami, and Abbas Afridi. Among spinners, Imran Tahir and Akeal Hosein have also taken hat-tricks.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi continue to dominate PSL 11. The team remains unbeaten with eight wins in nine matches, with one game washed out. They currently lead the standings with 17 points and a net run rate of 2.645.
Stay tuned to ProSports for all the PSL 11 news, updates, stats, points table, and power rankings.
