England into T20 World Cup semi-finals as Harry Brook century sees off Pakistan

Pallekele, Sri Lanka – England became the first side to book a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals after captain Harry Brook’s maiden international century in the format anchored a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Brook’s 100, compiled from 50 balls and decorated with 10 fours and four sixes, rescued the holders after early jolts had left them 17-2 and later 58-4 in pursuit of 165. The Yorkshireman, promoted to No 3 on the morning of the match by coach Brendon McCullum, reached three figures with a lofted drive off Shaheen Shah Afridi and perished to the next delivery, sparking a late wobble that saw four wickets tumble for six runs.

Yet Jofra Archer settled English nerves in the final over, carving the first ball from Salman Mirza to the boundary with five deliveries remaining to seal a second consecutive Super Eight win following Sunday’s rout of co-hosts Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, asked to bat first, were carried to 164-9 by opener Sahibzada Farhan’s 63. Despite Shaheen’s career-best T20 return of 4-28 – including the prize scalps of Phil Salt first ball and Tom Banton to his first delivery in international cricket – the total proved inadequate against Brook’s calculated assault.

“Look, we threw everything at him,” admitted Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. “We bowled really well up front, but Harry came in and took the game away. He batted outstandingly well.”

Support came from Sam Curran (16) and Will Jacks (28), who shared pivotal stands with Brook to swing momentum England’s way after the power-play. Jacks praised the skipper’s composure: “He targeted the sight screen, waited for them to drop short and never felt like chasing the game. That’s why he’s our best batter – he should face as many balls as possible.”

Brook, 27, becomes only the third Englishman after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan to register international hundreds in Tests, ODIs and T20s, and he was quick to credit McCullum for the tactical tweak. “That was Baz, all Baz,” he smiled. “He said this morning, ‘We might change it up and put you at No 3.’ Having the bravery to do that was awesome.”

The result leaves Pakistan needing to beat Sri Lanka in their last Group Two fixture and rely on other outcomes to remain in contention, while England can approach Friday’s meeting with New Zealand with the luxury of a semi-final berth already secured.

Concerns persist at the top of the order, however. Buttler has fallen for single-figure scores in four straight innings and Salt departed for a golden duck, exposing a fragility that better attacks may yet exploit. England’s ground-fielding was also uncharacteristically ragged, with Jacob Bethell spilling two straightforward chances.

Still, the bowling unit impressed. Archer touched 93 mph to claim 2-29, while Liam Dawson’s canny left-arm spin yielded 3-24 on a docile surface. Those returns, allied to Brook’s captain’s knock, mean England march on with genuine belief that a third T20 crown is within reach.

As the players left the field, Pakistan’s dejected huddle told its own story. “It’s always him,” sighed Salman, summing up a burgeoning rivalry that Brook continues to dominate.