Pakistan’s T20 World Cup semifinal hopes flickered back to life thanks to England’s narrow 4-wicket win against New Zealand at R. Premadasa Stadium. The Friday night thriller in Colombo was pivotal, and one player of Pakistani heritage made all the difference: Rehan Ahmed.
England required 43 runs from 19 balls when the 21-year-old leg-spinner strode out at No. 8. Partnered with in-form Will Jacks, Rehan didn’t just support – he dominated. Blasting 19* off 7 balls with 2 sixes and a four, he finished the chase 3 balls early. His bowling contributed too, snaring 2/28.
The irony is poetic: while Pakistan struggled, Rehan single-handedly boosted their chances. Raised in England by Mirpur-born father Naeem – a former cricketer turned cabbie post-2001 immigration – Rehan debuted for Pakistan in 2022. His record stands at 5 Tests, 9 ODIs, 13 T20Is.
This match highlights cricket’s borderless bonds. Rehan’s fire has reignited optimism among Pakistan’s millions of fans, setting the stage for a potential semifinal surge.