Brook’s century powers England into T20 WC semis with win over Pakistan
- Chasing 165, England achieve target in 19.1 overs
Harry Brook’s scintillating century carried England into the semifinals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as they edged Pakistan by two wickets in a thrilling Super Eights clash at Pallekele on Tuesday.
Chasing 165, England reached 166-8 in 19.1 overs, sealing victory with five balls to spare and confirming their place in the last four.
England’s innings began in turmoil as Shaheen Shah Afridi struck twice in his opening spell, dismissing Phil Salt for a duck and Jos Buttler for two.
He later removed Jacob Bethell and finished with outstanding figures of 4-30, leaving England struggling at 35-3 inside five over.
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Brook, however, turned the tide with a magnificent 100 off 51 balls, smashing 10 fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 196.07. He anchored the chase and counterattacked under pressure, keeping England ahead of the required rate.
Pakistan fought back through Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz, who picked up two wickets each. When Brook fell at 155-6 in the 17th over, the match hung in the balance.
But England held their nerve in the closing stages. Jofra Archer struck a boundary in the penultimate over, while Liam Dawson stayed unbeaten to guide the side home.
Earlier, Pakistan had posted 164-9 after opting to bat.
Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 63 off 45 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Babar Azam made 25, while Fakhar Zaman (25 off 16) and Shadab Khan (23 off 11) provided momentum in the middle and death overs.
However, Pakistan lost wickets constantly in death overs, falling short of what proved a slightly below-par total.
For England, Liam Dawson returned 3-24, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton claimed two wickets each to keep Pakistan in check.
The result sends England into the semifinals, while Pakistan’s campaign faces uncertainty after the narrow defeat.
The Greenshirts now need a big win over Sri Lanka on Sunday and favourable results in other matches to stay in contention.
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