Rehan Ahmed was praised for his match-winning performance in England’s thrilling win over New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
The 21-year-old leg-spinner, who was recalled to the side for his tournament debut in Colombo, took the wicket of Cole McConchie after removing Rachin Ravindra off his first delivery and finished with figures of 2-28 from three overs.
The Leicestershire all-rounder was inspired with 19 off seven balls to spark an unbroken seventh-wicket stand of 44 off 16 balls with Will Jacks, and their big-hitting partnership propelled England to victory with three balls to spare.
England captain Harry Brook said: “We’ve seen what Rihanne can do in the net.” “He went out to New Zealand and played a beautiful game.”
Barring a series of unforeseen results, the win ensured a semi-final against tournament co-hosts India or the West Indies in Mumbai after England topped their group with three wins from three.
Questions about whether Ahmed has done enough to keep his place in next Thursday’s game at Wankhede Stadium – live sky sports – Brooke added, “We need to have that conversation.”
“We told the group at the start of the competition that we would select on terms and conditions. We thought this was the perfect opportunity to bring in Rehan and he did an amazing job.”
‘Raise the ante’
Jacks revealed how partner-in-crime Ahmed’s six laid the foundations for a 22-run Glenn Phillips that paved the way for England’s victory.
“It was important to keep it simple. Rehan played a brilliant innings,” Jacks said after winning a record fourth player of the match award at the T20 World Cup.
“Everyone who came out on that pitch was struggling straight away, it took us a while to get up to speed, but he hit the second ball to up the ante and put it on the back foot and I was able to play with him.
“After an over at Phillips, we said we have to take a risk. (The run rate) was 15 overs. We talked about hitting the gap hard and running hard. We picked up two important things.”
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Highlights of the T20 World Cup Super 8s match between England and New Zealand.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner singled out Ahmed’s proficiency on the difficult Colombo surface to score runs on.
He said, “It was a good game, a fierce game.” “The way England chased and the way Jax and Ahmed put in the finishing touch was a good strike.
“Rehan has shown his class with the bat over the past few years. He is a good spinner, so he is not too fazed by the wicket.”
‘Through the roof’
Michael Atherton said Ahmed added value to a seething England side against New Zealand and could peak at the right time after a perfect Super 8 stage.
Former England international Moeen Ali commented on Ahmed’s recent progress and how his willingness to take risks has inspired his team.
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Harry Brook gives his thoughts on Rehan Ahmed’s World Cup debut, Jos Buttler’s form and the semi-final against India or the West Indies in Mumbai.
“Over the last 12 to 18 months, his hitting has been through the roof,” he said. “He’s doing really well at Leicester and has performed well at The Hundred.
“For him to come out needing 46 from three overs and play the way he played, he just has confidence.
“As soon as he hit that first six and took the risk, he gave everyone a bit of faith. You could feel the momentum moving for England.”
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