In a thrilling Super 8 clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, England edged out New Zealand by 4 wickets, keeping Pakistan’s T20 World Cup semifinal dreams alive. The match on Friday was a must-win for England to boost Pakistan’s net run rate, and they delivered just that.
The star of the show was leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, of Pakistani descent, who turned the game on its head. Batting at No. 8, Rehan walked in when England needed 43 runs off 19 balls. With Will Jacks already set, expectations were modest for the bowler-turned-batsman. But Rehan exploded, smashing 19 not out off just 7 balls – including two massive sixes and a boundary – steering England home with 3 balls to spare.
Not content with his batting fireworks, Rehan claimed 2 wickets for 28 runs in 3 overs with the ball. His all-round brilliance not only secured victory for England but gave Pakistan’s fans renewed hope. What the entire Pakistan team couldn’t achieve in their campaign, this 21-year-old accomplished single-handedly.
Born in England to parents from Mirpur, Pakistan, Rehan’s father Naeem was a cricketer who moved to England in 2001 for a better life, working as a taxi driver. The family has since settled there. Rehan debuted for Pakistan in 2022 across all formats, boasting 5 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 13 T20Is. His performance underscores the global reach of Pakistani talent in cricket.