Harry Brook produced one of the finest innings of his cricket career to carry England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan in Pallekele. Chasing 165, England were wobbling early, but Brook took control of the innings and refused to let it slip. He struck a superb 100 from just 51 balls, pacing the chase with authority and composure before his teammates finished the job with five balls to spare.
The victory makes England the first team to book their place in the tournament’s last four.
Brook arrived at the crease after Phil Salt fell to the first ball of the innings. As wickets continued to tumble around him, the England captain steadied the chase and transformed a difficult situation into a winning one.
Harry Brook Century Rescues England in T20 World Cup Chase
Promoting himself to number three for the first time in his T20 international career, Brook responded to the pressure immediately. Jos Buttler fell for three in the third over, Jacob Bethell made eight, and Tom Banton added two as England slipped to 58-4.
Brook adjusted his tempo as required. He struck 10 fours and four sixes, scoring fluently while wickets fell at the other end. He took advantage of the powerplay, hitting a four and six off Salman Mirza early in his innings.
He later attacked Mohammad Nawaz for 17 runs in the sixth over and launched Shadab Khan for a straight six after the halfway mark.
Brook reached his century with consecutive hits over mid-off, bringing up three figures in just 50 deliveries. It marked the first T20 international century of his career and made him only the third England player to score centuries in all three formats, after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan.
He was bowled by Shaheen Afridi on the next ball after reaching his hundred. At that stage, England required just 10 runs from the final three overs.
England SealsWin After Late Wickets Add Tension
Even after Brook’s brilliance, England still managed to make things nervy at the end. Will Jacks and Jamie Overton both fell in the penultimate over, giving Pakistan a flicker of hope and setting up a tense finish. But Jofra Archer kept his cool, swinging the winning runs with five balls to spare to seal the two-wicket victory.
Earlier, England’s fielding performance showed signs of inconsistency. Bethell allowed two boundary stops to slip through his hands, and Brook dropped Shadab Khan on four before he went on to score 23. England also conceded a no-ball for having too many fielders outside the 30-yard circle.
Pakistan posted 164-9, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring with 65. A 46-run partnership between Farhan and Babar Azam came off 44 balls but lacked acceleration. Liam Dawson played a key role with three wickets and a high catch, while Overton bowled Babar and dismissed Farhan lbw. Overton also took a diving catch to limit Pakistan’s late surge.
The victory ensures England advance to a semi-final in India next week, with the opponent and venue to be confirmed following the conclusion of the Super 8 stage. They also have one remaining Super 8 match against New Zealand on Friday.
While Jos Buttler’s form remains under scrutiny after scoring 15 runs across his last five innings, Brook’s century provided the decisive contribution. England now moves forward in the tournament with momentum and a place in the semi-finals secured.
Harry Brook’s Century Powers England Into T20 World Cup Semi-Finals