Watch: Pakistan Under-19 quick Ali Raza sent down a stunning in-nipper to dismiss Australia’s Sam Konstas during the semi-final of the World Cup today (February 8).
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15-year-old Ali Raza, who had picked up five wickets in the two games he played in the tournament before the semi-final, continued his wicket-taking streak against Australia with a perfect delivery that nipped back in to dismiss opener Sam Konstas.
After Pakistan set Australia a target of 180 to advance to the final and meet India, Konstas and Harry Dixon started cautiously, taking their team to 33-0 in 10 overs. The introduction of Raza into the attack in the ninth over, however, made things exciting: After Dixon survived a close run-out, his opening partner Konstas had to walk back after he had his stumps rattled by a brilliant piece of bowling.
On the first ball of the 11th over, Raza sent down a good-length ball that came back in sharply. The batter looked to defend it away on his front foot but the ball snuck past the huge bat-pad gap to send the off-stump flying.
Raza has played six Under-19 ODIs before the semi-final since 2022, picking up 11 wickets at an average of 17.72. He represented the Rawalpindi Raiders in the Pakistan Junior League in 2022.
Watch the wicket here:
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