The collage shows Pakistan’s emerging young pacer Ali Raza (left) alongside former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. – ICC/PCB
Pakistan U19 fast bowler Ali Raza has opened up about the team’s remarkable journey to lifting the U19 Asia Cup, highlighting the pivotal role of former national captain Sarfaraz Ahmed in guiding and motivating the young squad.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Raza reflected on the hard work and dedication that led to the team’s success.
“The Pakistan U19 team worked incredibly hard, and our efforts finally paid off,” he said. He added that Sarfaraz Ahmed’s experience and leadership were instrumental in shaping the team’s mindset.
Recalling the personal challenges he faced during the tournament, Raza revealed, “During my injury, there were times when I didn’t feel like practising. However, the management placed their trust in me, which motivated me to continue working hard.”
He also spoke about the inspiration drawn from Sarfaraz’s own achievements, including the 2017 Champions Trophy victory.
“He never let us feel homesick. Instead, he created a family-like environment for the team, which really boosted our morale,” Raza explained.
On the team’s approach to the tournament, the young pacer said, “Every day, the U19 team focused on learning and improving. The management encouraged us to give 100% on the field, and the result was evident in lifting the U19 Asia Cup trophy.”
Raza also reflected on the historic and highly charged rivalry between India and Pakistan, emphasising the importance of fair play and professionalism in such high-stakes encounters.
“In cricket, there is no small or big player—what matters is showing sportsmanship. India displayed great sportsmanship, and we focused on playing our best cricket against them,” he said.
The bowler credited cricketing legends as sources of inspiration and expressed how legendary bowlers have inspired his journey and fueled his confidence on the field.
“I watch bowlers like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved, and Mohammad Sami. In the Asia Cup final, I remembered Mohammad Amir’s spell from the Champions Trophy. Seeing former greats praise my performance, like Wasim Akram and Ian Bishop tweeting in my support, is a matter of pride for me,” Raza shared.
Looking ahead, Ali Raza remains ambitious about his future.
“If former senior players appreciate my performance, I feel motivated to give my best. I aim to play for Pakistan in all three formats and carve out my own identity in cricket,” he concluded.
It is pertinent to mention that the young right-arm pacer was an exeptional contributor for Pakistan in their first U19 Asia Cup title in 35-year history as he became the tournaments fourth highest wicket taker with nine wickets in five games at an economy of 4.31.
In the high-octane final against arch-rivals India, the 17-year-old once again showcased his brilliance, delivering an exceptional spell of 4/42 in 6.2 overs.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a massive 347-8 in 50 overs, with Sameer Minhas playing an exceptional knock from his bat and scored 177 off 113 deliveries featuring 17 fours and nine sixes.
Ahmed Hussain also contributed 56 off 72 balls with the help of three fours and one six.
Chasing 348, India were bowled out for 156 in 26.2 overs, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 191-run victory.
Young pacer Ali Raza led the bowling attack with four wickets, while Ahmed Hussain and Huzaifa Ahsan chipped in with two wickets each to seal the historic win for the boys in green.