Brook’s century powers England into T20 World Cup semi-finals (photos)
Even after England lost three wickets inside the powerplay, Brook kept the momentum alive and steered the two-time champions to a nail-biting two-wicket victory.
KATHMANDU: Harry Brook delivered a captain’s knock of the highest class to drag the England cricket team into the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, producing a breathtaking 100 off just 51 balls in a nail-biting two-wicket victory over the Pakistan cricket team in Pallekele.
Batting at No.3 for the first time in T20 internationals, Brook dominated a tricky spinning surface with a fearless innings featuring 10 fours and four sixes, guiding England through a tense chase of 165.
The 27-year-old reached his century from 50 balls but was dismissed the very next delivery with nine runs still required.
The drama wasn’t over. England then lost Will Jacks and Jamie Overton, before Jofra Archer held his nerve to steer the two-time champions home with five balls to spare in a pulsating finish.
Earlier in the chase, England were rocked to 58 for four as Jos Buttler’s difficult run of form continued.
But Brook absorbed the pressure, counter-attacked superbly, and kept the chase alive even after three wickets fell inside the powerplay.
England’s bowlers had laid the platform by restricting Pakistan to 164 for nine. Liam Dawson led the attack with 3 for 24, while Archer and Overton chipped in with two wickets apiece.
For Pakistan, Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with a composed 63 off 45 balls, rescuing his side from early trouble.
Pakistan struck back hard in the powerplay as Shaheen Shah Afridi ripped through England’s top order with three early wickets and later finished with four scalps, supported by Usman Tariq’s two wickets.
The late breakthroughs created serious tension in the death overs, but England held their nerve to seal the win in the final over.
With this victory, England secured a second win in the Super 8s, booking their place in the semi-finals with a match to spare and reaching the last four of the tournament for the fifth consecutive time.
For Pakistan, the loss leaves their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread, made worse after their Super 8 opener against the New Zealand cricket team was washed out by rain.
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