Harry Brook’s Stunning 100 Powers England Past Pakistan, Into T20 World Cup Semis

Harry Brook delivered a captain’s knock for the ages as England stormed into the T20 World Cup semifinals with a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in their Super 8 clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 24.

Brook etched his name into tournament history by becoming the first captain to score a century in a T20 World Cup, anchoring a tricky chase of 165 with a sublime 100 off 51 deliveries. Promoted to No.3 for the first time in his international career, the England skipper combined composure with calculated aggression to steer his side home with five balls to spare.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha opted to bat first — the first captain to do so at Pallekele in this edition — but the move failed to yield the desired result. Despite posting a competitive 164 for nine, Pakistan were outplayed in key moments as England maintained their perfect record against them in T20 World Cups, extending the head-to-head to 4-0.

With five runs needed off 12 balls, England briefly faltered before Jofra Archer sealed the deal with a boundary off Salman Mirza, ensuring there were no late twists.

Farhan anchors Pakistan

Pakistan’s innings had its moments but never truly broke free. Saim Ayub’s lean patch continued when Archer hurried him with a sharp short ball, while Salman Agha’s early aggression ended in a mistimed stroke against Liam Dawson.

Amid the wobble, Sahibzada Farhan stood tall. Fresh from a maiden T20I hundred against Namibia, Farhan once again shouldered responsibility, striking 63 off 45 balls with seven fours and two sixes. He found intermittent support — Babar Azam made a scratchy 25 before falling to Jamie Overton, and Fakhar Zaman added a brisk 25 off 16 — but regular wickets stalled Pakistan’s momentum.

A late cameo from Shadab Khan (23 off 11) pushed the total beyond 160, though it still felt slightly under par on a surface that rewarded positive strokeplay.

Dawson was England’s standout bowler with figures of 3 for 24, while Archer and Overton claimed two wickets each to keep Pakistan in check.

Shaheen’s fiery burst

Defending 164, Pakistan struck early through Shaheen Shah Afridi. Recalled to the XI, the left-arm quick removed Phil Salt with the first ball of his spell and later dismissed Jos Buttler to put England under pressure. He also accounted for Jacob Bethell after a dropped chance earlier in the over.

Shaheen’s incisive spell briefly tilted the balance, but England found stability through their captain.

Brook takes control

Brook looked in complete command, reaching his half-century off 28 balls. With 83 required at the halfway mark, the match hung delicately in the balance. Sensing an opportunity, Brook attacked Shadab Khan, collecting 17 runs in a pivotal over that shifted the momentum decisively.

Even as wickets fell around him — including Sam Curran and Tom Banton — Brook continued to dictate terms. He brought up his century off 50 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 10 fours and four sixes before eventually falling to Shaheen.

Will Jacks’ handy 28 ensured England stayed ahead of the asking rate, and despite a late scare, Archer’s boundary completed a memorable chase.

Pakistan on the brink

The defeat leaves Pakistan in a precarious position ahead of their final Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka. Even a win may not guarantee progression, with their semifinal hopes now dependent on other results.

England, meanwhile, march into the last four unbeaten — their dominance over Pakistan in global tournaments intact and their momentum firmly on their side.