Harry Brook produced a landmark innings in Pallekele, becoming the first captain in T20 World Cup history to score a century. His effort propelled England into the semifinals of the 2026 edition, making them the first team to qualify and leaving Pakistan’s campaign hanging in the balance. Despite Shaheen Afridi’s four-wicket haul, England completed the chase of 165 with five balls remaining, recovering from late stumbles to win by two wickets.
Pakistan set competitive total on spin-friendly track
On another surface offering assistance to spinners in Pallekele, Pakistan chose to bat first. With Saim Ayub and Salman Agha unable to contribute significantly, Sahibzada Farhan once again carried the batting responsibility. Ayub top-edged a pull off Jofra Archer, while Agha fell to Liam Dawson in the next over.
Babar Azam, batting at No. 4, began positively with consecutive boundaries off Archer, but it was Farhan who dominated the Powerplay, striking boundaries off Jamie Overton, Archer and Dawson. After the fielding restrictions, Babar struggled against England’s spin duo, particularly Adil Rashid. The pressure culminated in his dismissal for 25 off 24 balls, bowled by Overton while attempting an expansive shot.
Fakhar Zaman injected momentum alongside Farhan, with both batters clearing the ropes against Will Jacks. Farhan registered another half-century in the tournament as Pakistan reached 112/3 after 15 overs, positioning themselves for a strong finish. However, Overton returned with a fuller delivery to trap Farhan lbw after he had struck a six and a four in succession.
Though Rashid conceded two sixes in the following over, England continued to claim wickets at crucial moments. Dawson emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 3/24. Late contributions from Shadab Khan lifted Pakistan to 164/9, a total that appeared competitive given the conditions, though dew was a factor.
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Afridi strikes early but Brook dominates chase
England’s pursuit began shakily. Afridi made an immediate impact, dismissing Phil Salt for a golden duck with his first delivery. Jos Buttler soon followed after edging behind, and Jacob Bethell departed for 8, leaving England in early trouble.
Brook, promoted to No. 3, countered aggressively. He amassed 41 runs during the Powerplay, opening with a four and a six off Salman Mirza and capitalising on the fielding restrictions, including a forceful over against Mohammad Nawaz.
Usman Tariq reduced England to 58/4 with a breakthrough in his first over, keeping Pakistan in contention. However, England’s batting depth and Brook’s presence ensured the chase remained alive. Brook targeted Pakistan’s spin attack while managing Tariq cautiously. Although Tariq later dismissed Sam Curran, Will Jacks responded by striking boundaries early in his innings.
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The pair steadied the innings, with Jacks even pulling Tariq for six. In search of a breakthrough, Agha reintroduced Afridi. Brook advanced down the pitch to loft him over wide long-on for six and followed with a boundary to reach his maiden T20I century. Afridi responded immediately with a yorker to dismiss Brook, but England required only 10 more runs.
Despite nearing the target, England briefly faltered with careless dismissals, leaving them needing 3 runs from the final over with two wickets in hand. Archer sealed the win by pulling the first ball of the over for four.
Brief scores
Pakistan 164/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 63; Liam Dawson 3-24, Jamie Overton 2-26) lost to England 166/8 in 19.1 overs (Harry Brook 100; Shaheen Afridi 4-30) by 2 wickets.
