England secured their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after captain Harry Brook produced a magnificent match-winning century to guide his team to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Eight clash at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this win — their second consecutive triumph in the Super Eights — England became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of the 20-team tournament, consolidating their position at the top of Group 2 with four points.
Chasing a competitive target of 165, England reached 168/8 with five balls to spare in a tense finish. The innings revolved around Brook’s outstanding captain’s knock under pressure.
England endured a disastrous start as Shaheen Shah Afridi ripped through the top order, dismissing Phil Salt (0), Jos Buttler (2), and Jacob Bethell (8) inside the first five overs, reducing the Three Lions to 35/3.
However, Brook stood firm and anchored the chase. He stitched crucial partnerships, first adding 23 runs with Tom Banton and then 45 with Sam Curran to steady the innings. The turning point came when Will Jacks joined him at No.7, and the pair added a vital 52-run stand for the sixth wicket to wrest control away from Pakistan.
Brook eventually fell on the final ball of the 17th over, bowled by Shaheen after a sensational 100 off 51 balls, decorated with 10 fours and four sixes. He was later named Player of the Match for his stellar performance.
Jacks contributed a valuable 28 before being bowled by Mohammad Nawaz, who also dismissed Jamie Overton in the same over to keep Pakistan’s hopes alive. With three runs required in the final over and two wickets in hand, Jofra Archer sealed the victory in style by smashing Salman Mirza for a boundary off the first delivery.
Shaheen was Pakistan’s standout bowler, claiming 4/30 in his four overs, while Nawaz picked up two wickets.
Earlier, Pakistan posted 164/9 in their 20 overs after being put in to bat. The innings was anchored by Farhan, who top-scored with a composed 63 off 45 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes.
Pakistan suffered early setbacks as Saim Ayub (7) and captain Salman Ali Agha (5) fell cheaply. Babar Azam then partnered Farhan in a 46-run stand before being dismissed for 25 by Jamie Overton. Farhan later shared a 49-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, who scored 25 off 16 balls.
Late cameos from Shadab Khan (23 off 11) helped Pakistan reach a competitive total.
For England, Liam Dawson was the pick of the bowlers with 3/24, while Archer and Overton claimed two wickets each and Adil Rashid chipped in with one.
In the end, it was Harry Brook’s exceptional leadership and breathtaking century that powered England into the semi-finals in thrilling fashion.
