Harry Brook scripted a landmark innings to propel England into the T20 World Cup semifinals, producing a record-breaking century in a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in their Super 8 clash at Pallekele on February 24.
Leading from the front, Brook became the first captain in the tournament’s history to score a hundred, crafting a superb 100 off 51 balls as England chased down 165 with five deliveries remaining. Batting at No.3 for the first time in his international career, the skipper blended authority with awareness, pacing the chase to perfection on a surface that demanded smart shot selection.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha’s decision to bat first — the first such call at this venue in the tournament — appeared bold but ultimately fell short. Pakistan managed 164 for nine, a total that looked competitive but not commanding.
Farhan fights lone battle
Pakistan’s innings never quite found sustained momentum. Saim Ayub’s struggles continued when Jofra Archer hurried him with a sharp short ball, while Agha’s attempt to counterattack ended in a mistimed shot off Liam Dawson.
Amid the early damage, Sahibzada Farhan once again stood tall. Following his maiden T20I century against Namibia, Farhan delivered another responsible knock, scoring 63 off 45 balls with seven fours and two sixes. He rotated strike efficiently and ensured Pakistan did not collapse completely.
Babar Azam began brightly but slowed considerably before falling for 25 to Jamie Overton. Fakhar Zaman contributed a brisk 25 off 16, and Shadab Khan’s late 23 off 11 added valuable runs in the death overs, lifting Pakistan past the 160 mark.
Dawson was England’s most effective bowler with 3 for 24, while Archer and Overton chipped in with two wickets each.
Shaheen’s early storm
Pakistan made the ideal start with the ball as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck with the very first delivery of his spell, removing Phil Salt. He soon added Jos Buttler to his tally and later dismissed Jacob Bethell, briefly putting England on the back foot.
Shaheen’s spell of 4 for 30 kept Pakistan in the contest, but England found their answer in Brook.
A captain’s masterpiece
While wickets fell around him, Brook remained unfazed. He raced to a 28-ball fifty and began shifting gears once the equation tightened. A decisive assault on Shadab Khan in the 11th over yielded 17 runs and swung the momentum England’s way.
Even after Sam Curran and Tom Banton departed, Brook continued to anchor the chase. With 41 needed off the last five overs, he ensured England stayed ahead of the rate. He brought up his century in 50 balls — laced with 10 fours and four sixes — before eventually falling, having taken his side to the brink of victory.
Will Jacks’ composed 28 provided crucial support, and though England wobbled briefly at the finish, Jofra Archer struck the winning boundary to seal the match.
Semifinals secured
The victory keeps England unbeaten in the tournament and extends their perfect T20 World Cup record against Pakistan to 4-0. They also continue their impressive run in Sri Lanka this year, maintaining an unblemished record on these shores.
For Pakistan, the loss leaves their semifinal hopes hanging by a thread. Even a win in their final Super 8 game may not suffice, with qualification now dependent on other results.
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