Harry Brook’s Century Powers England Into T20 World Cup 2026 Semi-Finals
Harry Brook’s 100 guides England past Pakistan and into T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals in Pallekele thriller.
England stormed into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2026 with a thrilling two-wicket win over Pakistan on February 24 at Pallekele. Captain Harry Brook led from the front with a stunning century.
Chasing 165 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, England finished at 166 for 8 with five balls to spare. The match went down to the wire, but Brook’s fearless knock made the difference.
Promoting himself to number three, Brook smashed 100 off just 51 balls. His innings included 10 fours and four sixes, and it came at a time when England needed calm and control.
He became the first captain in history to score a hundred in a Men’s T20 World Cup match. It was a record-breaking moment on a big stage.
England were cruising for most of the chase but suffered a late collapse. Wickets kept falling in the final overs, and Pakistan sensed a comeback.
However, Brook stayed focused and took the game deep. His smart shot selection and clean hitting kept the required rate under control.
Earlier, England’s bowlers had done well to restrict Pakistan to 164 for 9. Left-arm spinner Liam Dawson picked up 3 for 24 and broke key partnerships.
For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi led the fight with 4 for 30. His fiery spell brought Pakistan back into the contest and nearly turned the game.
After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha admitted that Brook’s innings changed everything. He called it a “brilliant” knock that took the game away.
Brook, on the other hand, thanked coach Brendon McCullum for the bold call to send him in at number three. He said the move helped him settle early and control the chase.
With this win, England became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 2026 edition. It is their fifth straight appearance in the last four of a T20 World Cup.
For Pakistan, the loss is a big setback. They now need to beat Sri Lanka and hope other results go their way to stay alive in the tournament.
This match will be remembered for Brook’s fearless hundred under pressure. On a tense night in Pallekele, the England skipper stood tall when it mattered most.
