New Delhi: Rehan Ahmed turned out to be the unlikely hero for England as his fiery cameo for an unbeaten 7-ball 19 at no.9 helped the Harry Brook-led side pull off a nail-biting 4-wicket victory against
New Zealand in their final Super Eight clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Friday. England ended their Super 8 campaign unbeaten with the thrilling victory.
Reeling at 100/5 in the 15th over, England seemed all but out at one stage in their 160-run chase against the Kiwis. However, a late onslaught from Will Jacks and Ahmed took England home with three balls to spare. While Jacks scored a quickfire 32 off 18 balls, Ahmed remained unbeaten on 19 in their match-winning 44-run stand for the sixth wicket.
Making his debut in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026, Rehan arrived at the crease with England 43 off the last 19 balls staring at their first defeat in the Super 8. However, the spinner channelled his inner Virender Sehwag to help England pull off a heist and enter the semifinals with momentum on their side.
What Brendon McCullum told Rehan Ahmed
Ahmed, who replaced all-rounder Jamie Overton in the game, revealed England head coach Brendon McCullum sent him a message before he walked out to bat against New Zealand on Friday. McCullum told him to bat like Sehwag, referring to former India opener Virender Sehwag, who was known for his fearless approach and clean striking.
Ahmed did what was told as he hit the second ball he faced in the game over long-on for six to bring England back in the chase. Jacks took Glen Phillips to the cleaners in the next over before Ahmed smacked a six against Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner to effectively seal a victory for England.
"Baz actually sent one of the walkie talkie messages downstairs, saying ‘tell Reh to bat like Sehwag'," Rehan said after the game, revealing McCullum's message to him.
"Yesterday in training on a similar wicket, I was trying to play that certain way. I was trying to hit sixes straight because the role I’ll be in the team will be similar to the way I’ve trained for that," he added.
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