Rahat Ali: 8 facts about the raw-promise from Pakistan

Rahat Ali Getty Images

Rahat Ali, born September 12, 1988, is a Pakistani fast bowler who has the right ingredients to make a mark at the biggest stage. The sling-action promising prospect from Pakistan has played 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) where he has scalped 18 wickets and in the Test arena, he has played 12 games bagging 36 wickets. On his birthday, we present few interesting facts from his short career so far.

1.Waqar Younis prodigy

Sultan of swing Waqar Younis is Rahat Ali s mentor and the latter feels indebted to the former s contribution in his rise.

2. Junaid s loss, his gain

With solid performances in the Pentagular Cup, he was called for the World Cup 2015 as Junaid Khan s replacement despite not featuring in the 30 probables list.

3. Sparkling 2012

He was in sparkling form for Khan Research Laboratories and Baluchistan in 2011-12, taking a whopping total of 61 First-Class wickets.

4. Rahat for Watson

During the 2015 World Cup Rahat Ali stationed at fine leg dropped a sitter of Shane Watson of the bowling of Wahab Riaz who was in the middle of a magical spell. Pakistanis still believe that catch cost them the Cup.

5. Zilch on Debut

Every cricketer wants to make it big on his debut but for Rahat Ali that wasn t the case. He went wicket-less against South Africa in Johannesburg.

6. Career changing spell

Rahat was the man behind Pakistan's victory against New Zealand in the first Test at Abu Dhabi in November 2015, where he took four crucial wickets in the first innings, which includes opener Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Corey Anderson and Tim Southee. In the second innings, Rahat picked two more wickets of James Neesham and BJ Watling. Both of the batsman fell for duck against Rahat and since then, he has been an important member of the side.

7. His idols

Rahat idolises former Pacer Shoaib Akhtar and also, he has played with for KRL at domestic level. He also idolises Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram.

8. Pakistan's unsung hero in Lord's victory

During the first Test against England at the iconic Lord's in July 2016, Rahat was the man who brought Pakistan back into the game. He picked single wicket in the first innings but was almost unplayable in the second innings. With England needed 283 to win, Rahat picked three crucial wickets of England's top order, which includes Alastair Cook, Alex Hales and Joe Root. In the end Pakistan won the match by 75 runs but Rahat remained unsung hero for his team.