Batsman Ali has been selected for the U19 World Cup after impressing selectors with his technique. He made his debut for the Pakistan U19 side against Zimbabwe in October 2007 and has been a permanent fixture in the squad ever since.

Having represented Karachi U15s, U16s and Karachi Zones and Blues U19s he subsequently transferred to the Pakistan International Airlines U19 team in Sep 2011, being promoted to the full side six months later. He made his ‘List A’ debut in the Faysal Bank One Day National Cup Division One against WADPA for PIA where he second top-scored with 69 (95), as part of a match-winning partnership. He has played five ‘List A’ matches to date for PIA all in March 2012, at a healthy average of 43. His top score is 73, which was a match-winning knock.

Ali has been a beneficiary of the stable selection policies implemented by the Pakistani youth management team, touring Zimbabwe (2009) and South Africa (January 2012) that included a tri-nations limited overs tournament. He struggled on the tour, scoring 1,7,4, 8, 18, and 28 batting at number 3. He also suffered a sequence of three run-outs in a row. However, he scored more when not batting at 3, as he managed a 34 batting at number 4, 68 while opening and 3 at number 5. His top score of 73 has also come as opener, suggesting he is more comfortable opening the innings. However, he will struggle to break apart Babar Azam and Sami Aslam in the current team.

He also played a match in the Asian Cricket Council Under-19 Asia Cup 2012, where he didn't get the opportunity to bat as Pakistan racked up 302 from their 50 overs against Malaysia. Ali has batted in the top four for the majority of his U19 career and struggled on his first tour. He has exhibited a tendency to be run out early in his career, something the coaches will be looking to work on.

Ali has played a handful of First Class and List A games most recently with Port Qasim Authority where in the 2014-15 season he failed to set the world alight scoring only 4 fifties. 

[Last updated on: 23 June, 2015]