Pakistan Vs England: Harry Brook’s century drives England into T20 World Cup semi-finals

Harry Brook’s pressure-packed century lifted England into the T20 World Cup semi-finals as they beat Pakistan by two wickets in Pallekele, a result that secured England’s place in the last four and left Pakistan needing other results and a win in their final Super 8 Group 2 game.

Brook’s promotion to No. 3 paid off in Pallekele

England, chasing 165, reached 166-8 in 19. 1 overs as Brook made exactly 100. The England captain promoted himself to number three after Phil Salt was dismissed first ball; Brook’s knock included 10 fours and four sixes and came as England recovered from 58-4 when Jos Buttler was out for three in the third over, Jacob Bethell fell for eight and Tom Banton two.

Pakistan Vs England scoreline and key figures

T20 World Cup, Super 8 Group 2, Pallekele. Pakistan were 164-9 in their 20 overs with Farhan scoring 63 off 45 balls, and Dawson recorded figures of 3-24. England finished 166-8 in 19. 1 overs; one score list shows Brook 100 and another line in the match coverage says Brook reached his first T20 international century off 50 deliveries — a discrepancy present in the provided context. Shaheen 4-30 is recorded in the England innings bowling figures.

Late drama and the finish

Brook was bowled by Shaheen Afridi a ball after reaching his hundred — the first of his T20 international career — by which time only 10 runs were needed from the last three overs. The wickets of Will Jacks and Jamie Overton followed, and Jofra Archer swung away the winning runs with five balls to spare, sealing a two-wicket victory for England.

England’s route to the semis and what Pakistan must do next

England are the first team to secure a semi-final spot from the Super 8 stage and will return to India for a semi-final on either Wednesday or Thursday next week; opponents and venue remain to be confirmed by the remainder of the Super 8 stage. Pakistan must hope other results go their way and win their final Group 2 game against co-hosts Sri Lanka at the same venue on Saturday to keep qualification hopes alive.

A separate match update notes England will face New Zealand in Colombo on Friday (1. 30pm UK) before turning full attention to the semi-finals.

Brook’s form and a reminder of recent controversies

It was the first time Brook had batted first drop in his T20 international career and he answered the call with a composed century. Coverage of Brook also recalled recent incidents and criticisms: he was said to have been 'clocked' by a bouncer in Wellington, criticised as culpable in the Ashes defeat in Australia, pictured drinking in Noosa and found to have lied when apologising in Sydney.

England’s fielding was described as sloppy while restricting Pakistan to 164-9, but the win ensures they advance despite not fully convincing in parts of the match.

Match recap:

• Pakistan 164-9 (20 overs): Farhan 63; Dawson 3-24
• England 166-8 (19. 1 overs): Brook 100; Shaheen 4-30
• Result: England won by two wickets, returning to India for a semi-final next week

England are scheduled to play New Zealand in Colombo on Friday (1. 30pm UK) before attention turns to the semi-finals, and officials have said the semi-final date will be either Wednesday or Thursday next week with opponents and venue to be confirmed by the completion of the Super 8 stage.