PAK vs ENG: Rehan Ahmed becomes youngest player in Test cricket history to pick five-wicket haul on debut

Playing his first international match at the age of 18, English leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed created a monumental record by becoming the youngest cricketer to pick a fifer on his Test debut on Monday, December 19. The historic feat was achieved during England’s third Test against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Day 3. 

The 18-year-old replaced the veteran James Anderson in the match and absolutely decimated Pakistan’s middle order in the second innings. Their batting unit had no answer to Rehan’s wily leg spin as he picked up the wickets of Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman and Mohammad Wasim Jr. In total, the youngster picked up seven wickets while conceding 137 runs in the match.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins (18 years 196 days) previously held the record of being the youngest cricketer to pick up a fifer on debut when he dismissed five South African batters in 2011. However, Rehan (18 years 128 days) managed to topple Cummins to achieve the record. 

Dreams really do come true: Michael Vaughan lauds Rehan Ahmed after his fifer

Former England skipper Michael Vaughan seemed absolutely delighted after Rehan picked up the fifer. The 48-year-old is aware of what it means to Rehan’s father and mentioned the same in his tweet about the cricketer.

“5 on debut at 18 !! Tears for the old boy in the stand .. Dreams really do come true .. absolutely brilliant,” Vaughan tweeted.

5 on debut at 18 !! Tears for the old boy in the stand .. Dreams really do come true .. absolutely brilliant @RehanAhmed__16 #PAKvsENG

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 19, 2022

Before making his international debut, Rehan played three First Class matches and picked up nine wickets at an average of 30.11. In seven List A games, Rehan has picked up five wickets at an economy of 5.74. 

Other than being a really good bowler, Rehan is very handy with the bat too. The 18-year-old has 195 runs to his name in first-class cricket and has also scored 89 runs at an average of 44.50 in List A cricket.