Sami Aslam

Having emerged during the isolation of international cricket Pakistan, Sami Aslam made his name through Under-19 cricket. A specialist left-handed opener he played two U-19 World Cups including the 2014 edition in which he led his side into the final. He was also the captain of the Pakistan U-19 side when they toured England in 2013 where he caught the eye of the selectors in their never ending hunt for openers. He made two centuries in a tri-series, including 110 in the final against England, before shooting to prominence with another hundred in victory over arch rivals India at the 2013-14 U-19 Asia Cup in UAE.

He hails from a middle-class family from central Lahore and played his early cricket for Punjab Cricket Club. His father, who would escort Aslam to the ground until he was 18, has been his biggest supporter and ensured he had everything to make him a successful cricketer. His standout characteristics have been his calmness for someone of a young age and the value he places on his wicket with his solid temperament helping him to success in his early days.

He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in U-19 ODI history with 1695 runs. He made his Test debut against Bangladesh in 2015 but made just 47 runs in his first three innings before making way. The early days of his career, however, do suggest a hunger for big scores: three of his first six centuries were over 150.
Umar Farooq