Harry Brook century sinks Pakistan in Super 8s as England reach semi-finals — Pakistan Vs England drama
Harry Brook’s maiden T20 international century powered England to a two-wicket win over Pakistan in Pallekele, a result in the T20 World Cup Super 8s that confirmed England’s place in the semi-finals and left Pakistan needing a win and other favourable results. The pakistan vs england clash finished with England chasing 165 and reaching the target with five balls to spare.
Pakistan Vs England: Brook’s maiden T20 century wins it
Brook, captaining England, smashed a sublime hundred off 50 balls as he steered England to 165, leading his side to a nervy finish but a successful chase. He was dismissed on the very next delivery, taken by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who finished with four wickets in the match.
Scoreboard and key figures from Pallekele
Pakistan posted 164-9 in their 20 overs, with Farhan top-scoring on 63 from 45 balls. England reached 165 with two wickets in hand and five balls remaining. Dawson finished with bowling figures of 3-24 for Pakistan.
How Brook ended up at No 3 and what he said afterwards
For the first time in his international T20 career Brook batted at No 3 after head coach Brendon McCullum suggested the move on the morning of the game and it was communicated in the pre-match huddle. Brook said: "Nice to be in the semi-finals. We're here to do that job and thankfully got over the line. " He also reflected on the decision that moved him up the order: "Baz [Brendon McCullum] was the mastermind behind it. It could not have come off but thankfully tonight it has. "
Brook’s recent struggles and personal context
Brook described the months before this match as difficult, saying: "It's probably been the hardest winter of my life to be honest, " after England secured the victory and the two points that took them into the final four. He had a disappointing Ashes series, making just two half-centuries and averaging 39. 77, a mark described as his second-worst in a Test series in which he has played more than a single innings. Towards the end of his time in Australia it was revealed he had got into a drunken altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington on the eve of the final fixture of his first overseas tour as an international captain, a controversy that has dogged him since.
Opposition reaction and historical links
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took four wickets including Brook’s with his final ball, offered praise for Brook’s innings. Four years before this game, Shaheen had played and won a T20 alongside Brook for Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan’s PSL. Speaking after the match Shaheen said: "In his life, I think it was the best innings" and added that Brook "has improved a lot" and that "today he was ready for every ball. "
What Pakistan must do next and England’s next opponent
Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka in their final Group 2 game and hope other results go their way if they are to advance. England now turn their attention to New Zealand: the sides meet in Colombo on Friday at 1. 30pm UK, before England focus fully on the semi-finals.
Post-match reaction, analysis and video highlights are available, including a written verdict from Matthew Henry. New Zealand face co-hosts Sri Lanka in the Super 8s next, with coverage beginning at 13: 15 GMT and a pre-match build-up starting at 13: 00.
