Brook’s Blazing Hundred Powers England into T20 World Cup Semi-Finals
KANDY: Harry Brook produced a captain’s masterclass, smashing an unbeaten century to steer England cricket team to a dramatic two-wicket win over Pakistan national cricket team in the Super Eights stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this being their second successive victory in the Super Eights, England became the first side to confirm a semi-final berth, sitting comfortably at the top of Group 2 with four points.
Chasing a competitive 165, England reached the target with eight wickets down and five balls remaining, largely thanks to Brook’s sensational innings under pressure.
Pakistan struck early blows through Shaheen Shah Afridi, who removed Phil Salt for a duck, Jos Buttler for two and Jacob Bethell for eight inside the first five overs, leaving England reeling at 35/3.
Despite the early collapse, Brook held firm. He stitched together smaller but important stands with Tom Banton and Sam Curran, keeping England in the hunt. The momentum shifted significantly when Will Jacks joined his skipper, as the pair added a crucial 52 runs for the sixth wicket to bring the equation within reach.
Brook’s superb knock finally ended in the 17th over when Shaheen cleaned him up. The England captain hammered 100 off 51 balls, striking 10 fours and four sixes in a commanding display.
Jacks contributed a valuable 28 before being bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, who also removed Jamie Overton in the same over to briefly swing hope back Pakistan’s way.
Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer sealed the contest in style, smashing Salman Mirza to the boundary off the first ball to complete a thrilling chase.
Shaheen stood out with the ball for Pakistan, claiming four wickets for 30 runs, while Nawaz and Usman Tariq picked up two scalps each.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 164/9 after choosing to bat first. The innings was anchored by Farhan, who top-scored with 63 off 45 balls, including seven fours and two sixes.
Pakistan’s start, however, was far from ideal. Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha fell cheaply, leaving the side under pressure early. Babar Azam and Farhan attempted to stabilise the innings with a 46-run partnership, but Jamie Overton broke the stand by dismissing Babar for 25.
Farhan then added 49 runs alongside Fakhar Zaman before falling to Overton in the 16th over. Fakhar made a brisk 25 off 16 balls but was later removed by Adil Rashid.
Liam Dawson dealt further damage late in the innings, picking up three key wickets, including Usman Khan and Nawaz in successive deliveries. Shadab Khan’s quickfire 23 off 11 balls helped Pakistan push past 160.
Dawson was England’s most effective bowler with figures of 3 for 24, while Archer and Overton claimed two wickets apiece, and Rashid chipped in with one.
In the end, Brook’s brilliance proved the difference as England marched into the semi-finals, leaving Pakistan with everything to play for in their remaining fixture.
