Rehan Ahmed Stars as Trent Rockets Crush Manchester Originals for Fourth Win

Rehan Ahmed delivered a stellar all-round performance to lead Trent Rockets to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Manchester Originals in The Hundred, securing their fourth win in five matches and drawing level on points with Oval Invincibles at the top of the table.

The 20-year-old legspinning allrounder was instrumental in dismantling the Originals, first claiming 2 for 14 with the ball before returning to finish the chase unbeaten on 45 from 35 balls. His efforts earned him plaudits from captain David Willey, who hailed Rehan’s intent and impact.

"He's a tricky one to bowl at. You're not quite sure what he's going to do. When it comes off like it did tonight, he can take the game away from the opposition," Willey said post-match.

Opting to bowl first at Trent Bridge, Willey led from the front, delivering 20 of the first 30 deliveries and returning his best figures in the competition – 3 for 11. He dismissed Ben McKinney for a duck before removing key batters Jos Buttler and Rachin Ravindra off consecutive balls, reducing Manchester to 26 for 3.

Rehan then stepped in to claim the scalp of Heinrich Klaasen, who holed out for 9, before pulling off a sharp boundary catch to dismiss Originals’ skipper Phil Salt for 19. Sam Cook (2 for 21) and Joe Root, who took a brilliant catch to send back Matty Hurst, supported well in the field.

A spirited unbeaten 33 off 21 balls from Lewis Gregory, including two sixes, helped the Originals limp to 98 for 8 from their 100 balls.

In response, the Rockets stumbled early, losing Joe Root and Tom Banton cheaply, but Rehan anchored the chase with flair and composure. He shared an unbroken 52-run stand with Tom Moores (22*), guiding the Rockets to 101 for 3 in just 74 balls, with 26 deliveries to spare.

With four wins from five, Trent Rockets are firmly in contention for the top spot as they prepare for a crucial showdown against Oval Invincibles on Thursday night at The Oval.