Thu, September 17, 2026
Pallekele (Web Desk): England secured a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after Harry Brook played a stellar role in guiding his team to a narrow two-wicket victory over Pakistan.
The thrilling Super Eight encounter took place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday, with England edging past a strong Pakistani side to keep their title aspirations alive.
Brook’s leadership and performance proved decisive in the closely contested match, ensuring England’s progression to the next stage of the tournament.
Pakistan, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted 164 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Openers Saeem Ayub (7) and skipper Salman Ali Agha (5) fell cheaply, putting early pressure on the middle order. Sahibzada Farhan played a responsible innings, scoring a well-made 50, while Babar Azam added 25 and Fakhar Zaman contributed 24. Shadab Khan’s quickfire 23 runs in the closing stages helped Pakistan reach a competitive total. Liam Dawson was the standout bowler for England, claiming three wickets, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton took two wickets apiece.
Chasing 165, England began their innings poorly, with Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi wreaking havoc by dismissing three top-order batsmen—Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell—for just 35 runs.
Facing a severe collapse, England relied on their captain Harry Brook, who delivered a blazing century off 51 balls, completely turning the match in England’s favor. Will Jacks supported Brook with 28 runs, providing crucial assistance in the middle order.
The Green Shirts made a strong comeback, taking eight English wickets, but England ultimately secured the victory in the final over.
Pakistan had brought Shaheen Afridi into the squad in place of Faheem Ashraf, and he justified his selection with early breakthroughs. However, Brook’s extraordinary innings proved decisive, leaving Pakistan’s bowlers’ efforts unable to contain the chase.
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