Pakistan Vs England: Brook’s Century Seals Nervy Super 8s Win in Pallekele

In a Super 8s classic at Pallekele, pakistan vs england produced a dramatic finish as England chased 165 to win by two wickets with five balls to spare and secured a spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The headline act was captain Harry Brook, who smashed his maiden T20 international century off 50 balls before falling the next delivery, leaving a nervy close to an otherwise commanding innings.

Pakistan Vs England — match context and result

The match was staged in Pallekele as part of the T20 World Cup Super 8s, Group 2, with a listed start time of 1. 30pm GMT. Pakistan posted 164-9 in their 20 overs, with Farhan top-scoring for Pakistan with 63 off 45 balls. England’s bowling returned key figures, including Dawson’s 3-24. England successfully chased the 165 target and now move into the semi-finals; they are the first side through to the last four.

Harry Brook masterclass and milestones

Captain Harry Brook produced a defining knock, reaching a 50-ball maiden T20 international century and scoring at a 200 strike rate during his stand. Brook faced many of the early power-play deliveries — around 15 or 20 balls before spin began to take hold — and was later named player of the match. Scorer Andy Zaltzman noted that Brook is the third England men’s player to record centuries in all three international formats, joining Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan; Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight have achieved the same across England’s women’s cricket.

How the chase unfolded

The final overs were tense. England’s scoreboards showed tight moments late: one sequence listed England at 162-8 chasing 165 late in the 20th over, with Dawson and Archer at the crease during the closing stages. Prior events included an 18th over that left England needing 10 from 12 balls, then a frenetic 19th and 20th with wides and tight running producing a nervy finish. A pivotal delivery from Nawaz removed Brook — he fell the next ball after his century — but England held firm and crossed the line with five balls to spare.

Selection moves, tactics and reactions

• England’s pre-match decisions were highlighted: they arrived in Pallekele early, selected Will Jacks, and moved Harry Brook up to No. 3 in the order. The coach Brendan McCullum had reportedly spoken to Brook that morning about promoting him to No. 3.
• Post-match remarks from the England captain reflected satisfaction at qualification and a quick turnaround in focus: one more game against New Zealand is on the agenda.
• Commentary and fan reactions included light-hearted lines and in-play banter; one commentator wrote “Well done Jofra! Get that man another pillow!” and there were suggestions for a tongue-in-cheek award for the player who contributed the least, with Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton named as candidates in that joking category.

Pakistan’s route forward and outstanding permutations

Pakistan now face a must-win scenario: they must beat Sri Lanka and hope other results fall in their favour to reach the last four. Multiple outcomes were outlined depending on the New Zealand v Sri Lanka result and England’s remaining matches. The situation is not closed for “Salman’s boys, ” but a previous washout against New Zealand could painfully affect their net run-rate prospects.

Key match figures and moments

Listen to live radio commentary at the top of the match page and have your say using the 'Get Involved' button on the page. Recent commentary noted the quality of Brook’s innings and the nervy nature of England’s finish; England progress to the semi-finals but will use the remaining Super 8s fixture to sharpen areas that still need improvement.

Note: match details above are drawn from live coverage and post-match commentary; further developments or official confirmations may follow.