A pulsating Super 8 encounter in Colombo saw England defeat New Zealand by 4 wickets, breathing fresh life into Pakistan’s T20 World Cup aspirations. At the heart of the R. Premadasa showdown was Rehan Ahmed, the Pakistani-origin all-rounder who stole the spotlight.
Needing 43 off 19 with Will Jacks holding fort, Rehan entered at No. 8 and rewrote the script. His unbeaten 19 off 7 balls – laced with two sixes and a boundary – powered England to victory with 3 balls left. Complementing this was his gritty 2/28 bowling stint.
For Pakistan, reeling from their own shortcomings, Rehan’s heroics were a balm. The 21-year-old, born in England to a Mirpur family that relocated in 2001, carries his roots proudly. Father Naeem, once a cricketer, drove taxis to build a new life. Rehan’s Pakistan debut came in 2022, with stats including 5 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 13 T20Is.
In a tournament of twists, Rehan’s performance symbolizes resilience and heritage, offering Pakistan one last shot at glory.