England’s dramatic 4-wicket triumph over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup Super 8s has handed Pakistan a lifeline in their semifinal quest. Played under the lights at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, the result hinged on an unlikely hero: Pakistan-origin spinner Rehan Ahmed.
With England chasing a tense target and needing 43 off 19, Rehan arrived at the crease at No. 8 alongside Will Jacks. What followed was a batting masterclass from the leggie. In a mere 7 balls, he unleashed two sixes and a four, remaining unbeaten on 19 to seal the win with overs to spare. Earlier, his bowling spell of 2/28 in 3 overs set the tone.
This victory is a godsend for Pakistan, whose own campaign faltered. Ironically, Rehan – born in England but with deep Pakistani roots – did what their full squad couldn’t. His father, Naeem Ahmed from Mirpur, traded cricket for taxi driving after migrating in 2001. Rehan, now 21, has risen rapidly since his 2022 debut for Pakistan, featuring in 5 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 13 T20s.
As the Super 8s heat up, Rehan’s exploits remind us how migrant stories fuel cricket’s passion, potentially paving Pakistan’s path forward.