Harry Brook’s Stunning Century Powers England To Semi-Finals As Pakistan Fall Short In T20 World Cup 2026
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first at Pallekele in Kandy, but the decision brought little joy early on as Saim Ayub fell cheaply off Jofra Archer’s bowling. Captain Salman Ali Agha, expected to provide stability alongside Sahibzada Farhan, also departed in the powerplay, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position.
Babar Azam and Sahibzada Farhan steadied the innings with a partnership, though England’s disciplined bowling kept the pair under a constant squeeze. Babar attempted to break free and attack the bowlers but could not convert his start before being dismissed. Farhan, however, batted brilliantly to bring up a half-century, only to be dismissed by Overton just as he looked to accelerate. The lower order made attempts to up the scoring rate, but England’s bowlers responded with timely wickets each time Pakistan threatened. The innings closed at 164/9 after 20 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers came out firing in the chase. Shaheen Afridi struck with the very first delivery of the innings, removing Phil Salt, and followed that with the wicket of Jos Buttler in his second over. A third wicket Bethell put England under serious pressure, and the burden of the chase fell squarely on captain Harry Brook.
Brook answered with a captain’s knock. He counterattacked with composure, paced the chase intelligently, and reached his century in the 17th over with England needing just 10 more runs. Pakistan kept fighting and claimed some late wickets to make it a tense finish, but England held their nerve and crossed the line with two wickets in hand and five balls to spare.
The win sees England become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026.