Harry Brook’s Century Eliminates Pakistan, Secures England Semi-Final Spot

KANDY, Sri Lanka — Harry Brook delivered a captain’s performance at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, scoring a maiden T20 International century to lead England to a two-wicket victory over Pakistan. The win effectively secures England’s place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals while ending Pakistan’s realistic hopes of advancing.

Chasing a target of 165, England recovered from a precarious start thanks to Brook’s tactical promotion to number three. His unbeaten 100 came off just 50 balls, anchoring the innings after early strikes by Shaheen Shah Afridi left the top order exposed.

Brook Anchors Chase After Top-Order Collapse

Pakistan’s pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, capitalized on the swinging conditions early. Shaheen removed Phil Salt with the first ball of the innings and dismissed Jos Buttler shortly after, leaving England’s chase in jeopardy. Brook, promoting himself up the order, countered the pressure with aggressive running and calculated risks.

While wickets fell at the other end—including Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran—Brook maintained a high strike rate. He targeted the spinners, specifically punishing Mohammad Nawaz and Shadab Khan. Brook reached his fifty off 28 balls before accelerating further against the returning pace attack.

His century, the first by a captain in T20 World Cup history, included 10 fours and four sixes. Although Shaheen eventually bowled Brook late in the game, the equation was already in England’s favor.

Pakistan Innings: Early Promise Undone by Collapse

Earlier in the day, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha won the toss and elected to bat. The innings was defined by two distinct phases: a steady foundation led by Sahibzada Farhan and a middle-order collapse engineered by England’s bowlers.

• Sahibzada Farhan: Top-scored with 63 off 45 balls, hitting his third half-century of the tournament.
• Liam Dawson: England’s most effective bowler, taking 3 for 24. His dismissal of Fakhar Zaman and Salman Ali Agha halted Pakistan’s momentum.
• Collapse: From a comfortable 122 for 3, Pakistan lost six wickets for just 27 runs to finish on 164 for 9.

Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton supported Dawson with pace and bounce, preventing Pakistan’s lower order from capitalizing in the death overs.

Match Statistics

England now looks ahead to the knockout stages, while Pakistan faces elimination pending other group results.

For more official tournament updates, visit the International Cricket Council (ICC) or the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).