Brook’s Blazing Hundred Powers England Into Semifinals

Harry Brook lit up Pallekele with a historic, captain’s knock for the ages.

In a high-pressure T20 World Cup clash, Brook delivered a sensational century — becoming the first captain in men’s T20 World Cup history to score a hundred — and single-handedly carried England into the 2026 semifinals. The dramatic win not only sealed England’s spot in the final four but also left Pakistan’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Chasing 165 on a tricky, spin-friendly surface, England looked down and out early — until Brook turned the contest on its head.

Pakistan Set a Competitive 164

After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, hoping to make the most of the surface before dew set in. But early jolts put them under pressure. Saim Ayub miscued a pull off Jofra Archer, while Salman Agha fell soon after to Liam Dawson.

With responsibility mounting, Sahibzada Farhan once again stepped up. The in-form opener counterattacked during the Powerplay, striking boundaries off Archer, Overton, and Dawson. Babar Azam started positively but soon found himself tied down by England’s spin duo. Adil Rashid applied the squeeze, and Jamie Overton eventually knocked Babar over for a scratchy 25.

Farhan found an able partner in Fakhar Zaman as the duo injected momentum into the innings. By the 15th over, Pakistan were well placed at 112/3 and eyeing a big finish. But England clawed back brilliantly. Overton trapped Farhan for a well-made 63, and Liam Dawson (3/24) led the fightback through the middle overs.

Late blows from Shadab Khan helped Pakistan scrape to 164/9 — competitive, but perhaps slightly under par given the dew factor.

Afridi’s Fire, Then Brook’s Brilliance

If Pakistan felt 164 was defendable, Shaheen Afridi made sure England felt the heat immediately.

He struck with the very first ball, dismissing Phil Salt for a golden duck. Jos Buttler’s poor run continued as he edged behind, and Jacob Bethell soon followed. England were reeling — 58/4 — and Pakistan were roaring.

But at the other end stood Harry Brook.

Promoting himself to No. 3, the England skipper launched a breathtaking counterattack. He plundered 41 runs in the Powerplay, dismantling Pakistan’s bowlers with fearless strokeplay. Salman Mirza and Mohammad Nawaz bore the brunt as Brook peppered the boundaries with audacious intent.

Even when Usman Tariq struck to keep Pakistan in the hunt, Brook refused to relent. He expertly managed the chase — punishing loose deliveries while rotating strike smartly against the spinners.

Will Jacks provided crucial support, clearing the ropes to ease pressure. But the night firmly belonged to Brook.

A Historic Hundred Under Pressure

In a desperate attempt to swing the game back, Agha turned again to Afridi. Brook responded in style — dancing down the track to launch the left-armer over long-on before slicing a boundary to bring up a magnificent century — his first in T20Is.

It was a captain’s innings in every sense: bold, calculated, and match-defining.

Afridi dismissed him the very next ball with a pinpoint yorker, but the damage had been done. England needed just 10 more.

Late Drama, Calm Finish

Incredibly, England nearly stumbled at the finish line. Reckless shots led to quick wickets, creating tension as they entered the final over needing three runs with two wickets in hand.

But Jofra Archer ended the drama swiftly, pulling the first ball of the over to the boundary to seal a thrilling two-wicket victory with five balls to spare.

What It Means

• England become the first team to qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup semifinals.

• Harry Brook becomes the first captain to score a century in men’s T20 World Cup history.

• Pakistan’s semifinal hopes now hang in the balance.

On a night of twists, collapses, and counterattacks, one man stood tallest.

Harry Brook didn’t just win a match — he authored a World Cup classic.