Harry Brook Heroics: England Pip Pakistan by 2 Wickets to Reach Semis
Sri lanka, 25 february |(Sports Desk)
In a high-stakes Super 8 Group 2 match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka on February 24, 2026, England chased down Pakistan‘s total of 164/9 with 2 wickets in hand and 5 balls to spare. This tense victory made England the first team to qualify for the semi-finals with a game to spare, topping their group and knocking Pakistan closer to elimination.
Key Match Details:
- Toss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first.
- Pakistan Innings: 164/9 in 20 overs
- Babar Azam top-scored with 52 off 42 balls (5 fours, 1 six).
- Mohammad Rizwan contributed 41 off 33 balls (4 fours).
- Iftikhar Ahmed added a quick 28 off 18 balls.
- England’s bowlers were impressive: Liam Dawson took 3/24, Jofra Archer claimed 2/28, and Jamie Overton picked 2 wickets.
- England Innings: 166/8 in 19.1 overs (target 165)
- Harry Brook (captain) played a match-defining, unbeaten 100 off 51 balls (9 fours, 4 sixes) – the fastest T20 World Cup century by an Englishman, rescuing England from a top-order collapse and steering them to victory.
- Jos Buttler scored 32 off 21 balls.
- Pakistan’s bowlers fought hard: Haris Rauf took 3/35, Shaheen Afridi claimed 2/38, but Brook’s onslaught proved decisive.
- The match went down to the wire, with England needing 12 off the last over; Brook sealed it with a boundary.
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Player of the Match: Harry Brook – for his sensational unbeaten 100 off 51 balls that turned the game and secured England’s semi-final berth. In his post-match comments, Brook said: “It was a special feeling to finish it off. The crowd was incredible, and we knew we had to stay calm. This win means everything – semis here we come!”
This 2-wicket triumph marks England’s fifth consecutive T20 World Cup semi-final appearance and keeps their title defense on track. Pakistan now face a must-win situation in their remaining game. Congratulations to England on a gutsy performance! 🏴🏏
