Harry Brook’s 50-ball century seals England place in World Cup 2026 semifinals
Harry Brook’s 50-ball century carried England to a nervy two-wicket win over Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, sending them into the T20 World Cup semifinals and drawing early notice toward world cup 2026. England chased 165 and finished 166 for 8 to become the first team to qualify for the knockout stage.
Brook turned a top-order collapse into a chase
England’s innings began disastrously: Phil Salt was removed first ball, and the side slumped to 58 for 4 as Pakistan’s bowlers ripped through the top order. Brook came in virtually at the start of the innings and steadied the chase, forming a 52-run partnership with Will Jacks, who scored 28 in the winning effort. Brook’s measured but attacking approach changed the game after England’s early wobble.
World Cup 2026: a captain’s century under pressure
Brook completed his century off his 50th delivery, a landmark that brought Pakistan players onto the field to shake his hand as he walked off. He fell after reaching three figures, and a late collapse briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes, but England held on. A boundary from Jofra Archer sealed the victory, leaving England with a two-wicket win and confirmation as the first team into the semifinals.
Pakistan’s total and the bowlers who mattered
Pakistan posted 164 for 9, with Sahibzada Farhan top-scoring on 63 from 45 balls. Babar Azam contributed 25, Fakhar Zaman added 25 and Shadab Khan made 23 as Pakistan pushed to a par total. England’s bowlers responded: Liam Dawson finished with figures of 3 for 24 in four overs, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton took two wickets apiece to keep Pakistan to a chaseable score.
The match at Pallekele saw England recover from a perilous position — 58 for 4 — to complete the run chase and book a place in the last four. Brook’s century was the defining innings of the night, and his promotion to No 3 for this game proved decisive in stabilising the chase.
What comes next
Having secured their semifinal spot, England will face New Zealand in their final Super Eight fixture on Friday. Pakistan, on one point after two games, must regroup and play hosts Sri Lanka the following day as they fight to stay in the tournament. The result leaves England first into the knockouts and focused on their next confirmed match against New Zealand, while broader conversations now touch on world cup 2026 and England’s longer-term tournament ambitions.
