Rehan Ahmed 'not too bothered' about place in England's T20 World Cup semi-final XI - 'Enjoying the ride'
Updated 03/03/2026 at 17:05 GMT
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Rehan Ahmed says he is "not too bothered" about his place in England's T20 World Cup semi-final XI despite his impressive showing against New Zealand. Ahmed shined in his World Cup debut, producing a knock of 19 and taking two wickets to help England storm to a four-wicket victory against The Black Caps. England are yet to find out who they will face in the semi-final of the tournament.
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Rehan Ahmed insists he is "not too bothered" about being included in England’s squad for their upcoming T20 World Cup semi-final despite his game-changing impact against New Zealand.
Ahmed took two wickets, including one with his first delivery, and also produced a knock of 19 not out on his World Cup debut as England defeated the Black Caps by four wickets.
England, however, were already assured of their place in the last four before that match.
The spinner appeared to be included in the squad against New Zealand to capitalise on the pitch conditions in Colombo.
The surface looks set to be less friendly for spinners in Mumbai, but Ahmed insists he does not take team selection personally.
"I'm not too bothered about my place in the team," said Ahmed.
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"Baz [coach Brendon McCullum] and Brooky [captain Harry Brook] will definitely put out the best team they think is going to win, as they did [against New Zealand].
"It's not a personal thing for me - it's a World Cup, it's my first World Cup to be in. I'll just keep enjoying the ride, if I get the nod I'll play and if not then I'll give water to the boys."
Ahmed became England’s youngest-ever Test cricketer when he made his debut against Pakistan in December 2022, aged 18 years and 126 days.
His impressive performance with the bat on Friday ensured that England secured their victory against New Zealand with three balls to spare.
The Black Caps set a target of 159, thanks in part to Glenn Phillips, who top-scored for his side with 39 runs.
England were 2-2 at one stage after a difficult start to their chase. However, they rallied, with Tom Banton hitting a total of 33 runs before Will Jacks and Ahmed finished the job.
England do not yet know who their opponents will be in the semi-finals but they are expected to face either India or West Indies.
Ahmed believes that England have a great balance to their squad before the clash.
"I just want to make an impression whenever I do get the chance," Ahmed added.
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"I know the team balance right now is great and that's why we are where we are.
"I'm very easy. I was very, very happy when I did get the chance to try and win a game for England, not for me personally, just to win a game."
The first semi-final will be held on March 4 in Colombo, with England set to play in Mumbai on March 5.
England’s win against New Zealand saw them finish top of Group 2 in the Super Eight stage.
They also recorded impressive victories over Pakistan and Sri Lanka to book their place in the semi-final.
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