On Friday evening in Pallekele, England secured a place in the T20 World Cup semi-finals after Harry Brook’s unbeaten century guided them to a two-wicket win over Pakistan, confirming their progress with a match to spare.
Chasing 165 in their Super 8 encounter, England reached 166-8 with five balls remaining. Brook, promoting himself to number three after Phil Salt fell first ball, made exactly 100 from 51 deliveries in an innings that controlled a faltering chase.
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Read the full reportThe victory makes England the first side to seal a semi-final berth from Group 2. Pakistan, beaten here despite setting a competitive 164-9, must now rely on other results and defeat Sri Lanka in their final match to keep their campaign alive.
Brook’s innings was shaped by early disorder. Jos Buttler fell for three in the third over, Jacob Bethell for eight and Tom Banton for two, leaving England 58-4. Brook adjusted to the match situation, first countering Pakistan’s seamers during the powerplay before managing the middle overs against spin. He struck 10 fours and four sixes, reaching three figures in 50 balls before being bowled by Shaheen Afridi with only 10 runs still required.
Even then, England wavered. Will Jacks and Jamie Overton were dismissed in quick succession, briefly reopening the contest, before Jofra Archer swung the decisive runs to close the match.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings never fully accelerated. Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 63 from 45 balls, while Babar Azam’s 46-run stand with him consumed 44 deliveries. England’s bowlers prevented a late surge: Liam Dawson claimed 3-24 and Jamie Overton removed Babar and trapped Farhan lbw, alongside taking a sharp diving catch.
For England, qualification does not disguise areas of concern. Buttler has managed 15 runs in his past five innings, and their fielding was uneven, including a dropped catch by Brook and lapses on the boundary. They now return to India for a semi-final next week, with opponents and venue to be confirmed.
They are there without ever really convincing. Here they were sloppy in the field when restricting Pakistan to 164-9 but are the first team to secure their spot in the last four.
Full standings and tournament details are published by the International Cricket Council as the Super 8 stage concludes.
Pakistan must hope other results go their way and win the final Group 2 game against Sri Lanka at this venue on Saturday.
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