Watch: Rehan Ahmed became the youngest debutant to pick up a five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with 5-48 in Pakistan’s second innings at Karachi, which also included a three-wicket burst that pushed the hosts on the back foot.
Becoming the youngest Test cricketer for England, Rehan, aged 18, had a dream start to his career, picking up 2-89 in his first innings in international cricket, before bettering the numbers with figures of 5-48 in the second leg.
Pakistan, who were reduced to 54-3 in their second innings, fought back strongly, with the duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan stitching together an 110-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rehan, who had gone wicketless in the innings till then, managed to turn the game around with three scalps in his next four overs, including getting the big wickets of Babar and Rizwan.
The last ball of the 53rd over of the innings to Pakistan’s skipper was pitched outside the off-stump, which Babar pulled away to Ollie Pope at short mid-wicket. It began a collapse for the hosts, who also lost Rizwan four overs later.
The wicketkeeper got a reprieve after Zak Crawley failed to latch on to an easy catch but was unable to make the most of his life, departing on the very next delivery. Rehan sent down a legbreak that turned away from outside off, which Rizwan looked to defend. However, he was undone by the turn, with the ball taking the outside edge before falling into Ben Foakes’ gloves.
Saud Shakeel was Rehan’s next victim, as the batter looked to sweep a delivery and was deceived by the extra bounce on offer. The top-edged went to the fielder at backward square leg as Pakistan crumbled to 177-6 in no time.
Pakistan were eventually all out for 216, with Rehan also picking up the wickets of Agha Salman and Mohammad Wasim Jr to complete his maiden five-for. England have to chase down 167 runs in their fourth innings to seal a 3-0 win.
