T20 Cricket World Cup: England through to T20 World Cup semi-finals after tense match against Pakistan

BBC World

February 24, 2026

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England secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their T20 World Cup clash at Pallekele, booking their place in the semifinals. Harry Brook played a starring role, scoring an unbeaten 103 runs under immense pressure to guide his team to a challenging target of 176 with just two wickets remaining. The match was marked by tight bowling from both sides, but England's batting depth and composure in critical moments proved decisive. The game started with Pakistan setting a competitive total of 175/5 after being put into bat first. Their innings was led by Fakhar Zaman (36) and Rizwan (28), who laid a solid foundation. However, England's bowlers, including Haris Rauf and Jordan Thompson, kept the pressure on, ensuring Pakistan couldn't build momentum. The turning point came when spinner David Willey took two quick wickets at the end of the Powerplay, restricting Pakistan to 75 runs in the first six overs. In response, England's chase was far from straightforward. Brook's century was laced with elegant stroke-play and crucial decision-making under pressure. He shared a 100-run partnership with Sam Curran (36), who provided much-needed support. The middle-order then stepped up when needed, with Moeen Ali (24) and Chris Jordan contributing valuable runs to navigate the latter half of the innings. This victory is a significant milestone for England in their quest to win a second T20 World Cup. It not only boosts their confidence but also sets them on a collision course with other top teams in the semifinals. The match has generated massive excitement among cricket fans worldwide, particularly in the UK and Pakistan, as it showcased world-class skill and drama. With Brook's century making history, England is now poised to challenge for the title, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament's narrative.

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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026