England's Rehan Ahmed hails 'best day of my life' after five-wicket haul in Pakistan

For the second time in 48 hours, Rehan Ahmed spoke of ‘the best day of my life’ after his five-wicket haul on Test debut left England on the brink of an unprecedented 3-0 win over Pakistan.

The 18-year-old finished with five for 48 as the hosts collapsed on the third afternoon of the third Test in Karachi. Already England’s youngest Test cricketer, he quickly became their youngest to take a Test five-for, beating Bill Voce’s 93-year-old record.

‘I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,’ he said. ‘I am very grateful. It’s the best feeling – I really didn’t see it coming in my debut. I just tried to enjoy it as much as I could, and it was probably the happiest day of my life.’

18-year-old Rehan Ahmed took a five-for in Pakistan’s second innings on his Test debut

Ahmed wrote his name on the honors board at the Karachi National Stadium after the game

Ahmed didn’t get a bowl until the 42nd of the day, but Ben Stokes told him to ‘stay ready’. And when he removed Pakistan captain Babar Azam with a long hop that landed in the hands of Ollie Pope at midwicket, he was straight into the game.

‘I have bowled better balls not to get wickets, so to get rid of Babar Azam was a dream come true,’ said Ahmed, before linking the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, who was caught in behind Ben Foakes, to work with England’s spin-bowling coach Jeetan Patel.

Ahmed even managed to blast the bat at the end of the third day in Karachi

‘I liked Rizwan’s wicket, because my leg-break was quite difficult in the last two months with Jeetan,’ he said. ‘So to get one to turn it around a bit the other side is great.’

Later, Ahmed walked out at No 3 as England chased a quick run in the evening.

Stokesy simply said: “Get your pads”. I was like: “Perfect, it’s going to be a great day.” The plan is to finish it tonight. I think we will if we have the last 10 overs of the day.’