Pakistan Vs England: Brook century drives England into T20 World Cup semi-finals
In a Super 8 Group 2 showdown in Pallekele, pakistan vs england ended with England reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a two-wicket victory secured by Harry Brook's century. The result leaves England first into the last four and sets up a quick turn to a scheduled match against New Zealand in Colombo.
Brook's century under pressure finishes the chase
Harry Brook, who had promoted himself to number three after Phil Salt was dismissed first ball, made exactly 100 as England chased 165. Brook's innings finished at 100 from 51 balls in an England total of 166-8 in 19. 1 overs. He hit 10 fours and four sixes and reached his hundred in 50 deliveries, the first T20 international century of his career.
Key moments in the England innings and the late finish
England slipped to 58-4 when Jos Buttler was out for three in the third over, Jacob Bethell fell for eight and Tom Banton for two. Despite those early setbacks, Brook paced the chase; he was bowled by Shaheen Afridi a ball after reaching his hundred, by which time only 10 runs were needed from the last three overs. Will Jacks and Jamie Overton then fell, leaving Jofra Archer to swing away the winning runs with five balls to spare as England completed the chase.
Pakistan innings, bowlers and match figures
Pakistan were restricted to 164-9 in 20 overs in Pallekele. Farhan top-scored with 63 from 45 balls. Dawson finished with 3-24 for England, while Shaheen Afridi took 4-30 for Pakistan and was the bowler who dismissed Brook. The match scorecard reads Pakistan 164-9 (20 overs): Farhan 63; Dawson 3-24. England 166-8 (19. 1 overs): Brook 100; Shaheen 4-30.
Implications for the tournament and immediate schedule
The victory means England return to India for a semi-final on either Wednesday or Thursday next week, with the opponents and venue still to be confirmed by the remainder of the Super 8 stage. England are the first team to secure a place in the last four, despite being described as having been sloppy in the field while restricting Pakistan to 164-9. England also face New Zealand in Colombo on Friday at 1. 30pm UK before turning full attention to the semi-finals.
Pakistan's route forward and match reportage note
Pakistan must hope other results go their way and must win their final Group 2 game against co-hosts Sri Lanka at this venue on Saturday. A blog covering the England v Pakistan match was temporarily unavailable during updates, with a message that the blog was currently unavailable and to try again later.
Headlines and context around Brook's performance
Broad commentary on the match ran with headlines such as 'The day Brook showed he is an England leader', 'Brook century blasts England into semi-finals' and 'Brook makes first T20 international century off 50 balls'. Additional context referenced wider scrutiny of Brook's recent behaviour and form: he was 'clocked' by a bouncer in Wellington, linked to being culpable in the dismal Ashes defeat in Australia, pictured drinking in Noosa and found to have lied when apologising in Sydney. These items formed part of the surrounding narrative as Brook produced his maiden T20 international hundred under pressure.
