Brook's first T20 century propels England into World Cup semifinals

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka — Harry Brook chose the perfect moment to silence his critics, carving his maiden Twenty20 international century to drive England into the World Cup semifinals on Tuesday. The innings arrived at a juncture when both the player and the defending champions needed it most.

Brook had arrived at the Super Eights stage under mounting pressure, his earlier returns in the tournament limited to 102 runs across five outings with a lone half-century. Against that backdrop of modest returns, his breakthrough knock flipped the narrative and re-energised an England side that had only scraped through to the knockout phase.

The milestone not only underlined the 25-year-old’s finishing prowess but also ensured England kept their title defence alive on Sri Lankan soil. With the win, England booked their place in the final four, keeping intact hopes of retaining the trophy they captured in the previous edition.