Rehan Ahmed continued to impress with both bat and ball as Trent Rockets clinched a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge. This win secured Rockets' second-place finish in The Hundred men's competition, setting the stage for their upcoming eliminator match.

Ahmed's All-Round Excellence

Leg-spinner Ahmed delivered a masterclass, taking 3-15 in his spell to restrict Birmingham Phoenix to a modest total of 111-9 on a slow pitch. His wickets included the crucial dismissals of Will Smeed, Jacob Bethell, and Benny Howell, which stifled Phoenix's momentum.

With the bat, Ahmed was equally impactful, scoring a brisk 37 off just 23 balls. His innings, which included five fours and a six, was pivotal in breaking the back of the chase. Ahmed's partnership of 64 with Joe Root (25 off 25 balls) set the foundation for Rockets' victory.

Tense Finish

Despite a late collapse that saw Rockets lose four wickets for just 11 runs, they managed to cross the line with one ball to spare. Ben Cox's boundary off the penultimate ball sealed the win, ensuring Rockets avoided a heavy defeat and secured their second-place finish.

Looking Ahead

Rockets' next challenge is the eliminator match against Northern Superchargers. Ahmed's form is a significant boost for the team, as he continues to shine both domestically and internationally. With 10 wickets in The Hundred at an economy rate of 6.76, Ahmed has been one of the standout performers of the tournament.

International Recall

Following The Hundred, Ahmed will join the England squad for their white-ball series against South Africa. His recent performances have earned him a well-deserved recall to the national team, where he will look to continue his impressive form.

Conclusion

Rehan Ahmed's all-round brilliance was the highlight of Trent Rockets' victory over Birmingham Phoenix. As they prepare for the eliminator, Rockets will rely on Ahmed's skills to propel them further in The Hundred. His contributions with both bat and ball have been instrumental in their success, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming matches.