T20 World Cup: Harry Brook leads England into semi-finals with stunning century in win over Pakistan
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Harry Brook delivered a stunning century under pressure, guiding England to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan and securing their place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Batting at number three after Phil Salt's early dismissal, Brook showed remarkable composure, hitting 10 fours and four sixes in his 50-ball innings. His aggressive yet calculated approach helped England chase down a target of 165, despite losing key wickets early on, including Jos Buttler for just three runs.
Despite Brook's heroics, England faced challenges in the field, with sloppy catches and misfields allowing Pakistan to score 164-9. The match saw Brook's century come at a critical juncture, as he was dismissed by Shaheen Afridi shortly after reaching his hundred. However, the team managed to hold on, with Jofra Archer delivering the final over to secure the win. This victory marked England's progression to the semi-finals before their final Super 8 clash against New Zealand.
England's performance highlighted both strengths and weaknesses. While Brook's batting was a masterclass in pressure situations, the team's inconsistency in the field and Jos Buttler's struggles with form remain concerns. Pakistan, on the other hand, relied heavily on spinners but failed to capitalize fully due to slow batting by Babar Azam and Shadab Khan.
This match underscores the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and England's ability to perform when their key players step up. Brook's century not only showcased his talent but also demonstrated his leadership qualities as captain. The result keeps England on course for a potential third T20 World Cup title, while Pakistan will need to hope for favorable results in their remaining matches to secure a semi-final spot.
The T20 World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide, with each match delivering high drama and highlighting the skill and pressure involved at the highest level. England's hard-fought victory over Pakistan serves as a reminder of how crucial individual performances can be in determining a team's fate in this competitive tournament.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026