Defying the popular image of a heavily built Pakistani bowler, relying on express pace, Hasan Ali is more about variations. Coming from Punjab, the 27-year-old has taken 52 T20I wickets at an economy of 8.3 rpo. He is expected to play a key role in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup campaign that starts against arch rivals India.

Playing first class cricket for Sialkot, Ali, right-arm fast medium bowler, rose through the ranks rapidly. He picked 17 wickets in seven games at an average of 17.05 during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which eventually opened the doors for selection into the national team.

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Hasan Ali made his ODI and T20I debut for Pakistan in 2016 during their limited overs tour of England and Ireland. However, it was the next year that came with a blast for Ali. He not only picked five wicket hauls at Sydney and Providence, Guyana against Australia and West Indies respectively but also guided Pakistan to a Champions Trophy win. It was his spell that helped the 1992 World Cup champs to beat Virat Kohli’s India in the final.

Hasan Ali was picked up by Pakistan Super League (PSL) side Peshawar Zalmi in 2016. Under the leadership of Shahid Afridi, he helped the team top the points table. In 2017, the team went on to win the tournament.

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The 27-year-old topped the wickets charts in the ODI format in 2017, with 45 dismissals. He was named the Pakistan Cricket Board’s Emerging Player of the Year. He finished 2017 as the top ranked fast bowler in the ICC Player Rankings in ODI cricket. ICC further named him as the Emerging Cricketer of the Year.

Hasan Ali made his Test debut in 2017 against the West Indies. He is the quickest bowler for Pakistan to take 50 wickets in ODIs.