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Harry Brook's Historic Century Powers England Into T20 World Cup Semis

England captain Harry Brook led from the front with a magnificent 51-ball century to secure a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the T20 World Cup Super 8s. His historic knock, the first hundred by a captain in the tournament's history, propelled England to become the first semifinalists of the 2026 edition. Brook revealed he was promoted to bat at number three by coach Brendon McCullum, showcasing the team's adaptive strategy. Despite a late collapse and a strong bowling effort from Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi, England held their nerve to chase down 165.

Key Points: Harry Brook Leads England to T20 World Cup Semis with Century

  • Brook scores historic captain's century
  • England first to reach semifinals
  • Promoted to No. 3 by coach McCullum
  • Pakistan virtually knocked out
  • Jofra Archer hits winning runs
3 min read

"Happy to get the job done": Harry Brook after leading England into T20 World Cup semis

Captain Harry Brook scores a match-winning 100 to guide England past Pakistan and into the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinals. Read the match report.

"I was just happy to get the job done, to be honest. - Harry Brook"

Pallekele, February 24

England captain Harry Brook expressed delight, saying he is "happy to get the job done" as he led the Three Lions to a two-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Super 8s clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 on Tuesday. With the win, England also became the first semifinalists of this World Cup edition.

Harry Brook played a captain's knock against Pakistan. With England chasing 165, Harry Brook scored a match-winning 51-ball 100 runs, helping his team clinch a victory despite being in a tricky spot earlier in the chase.

Brook deservingly won the Player of the Match award for his match-winning hundred.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Harry Brook said he was pleased to help England reach the semifinals and is now focused on their upcoming clash with New Zealand.

He also revealed that coach Brendon McCullum promoted him to No. 3, highlighting the team's willingness to adapt. Notably, Brook had come to bat at No. 5 in all the previous World Cup matches.

"Just nice to get through to the semis. We have one more game against New Zealand and we'll focus on that. [On his move to No. 3] Baz came to me in the morning and said we may change it up and put you up at No. 3. We have spoken about being able to adapt and the bravery to do that was great. Nice to get out there and face as many balls as possible," Brook said.

Brook also praised Pakistan as a side filled with world-class players and said he was simply happy to get the job done rather than dwell on personal milestones, adding that England are always striving to improve despite the win.

"They [Pakistan] are always good. Some world-class players there. Just nice to get over the line. There's always areas we want to improve on and you can never quite get perfection but we're always striving for it. [Emotions on the hundred] I was just happy to get the job done, to be honest. We were in a tricky situation to start, and a couple of partnerships after that. Nice to get over the line," Brook said.

With the win, England have virtually knocked Pakistan out of the tournament.

Chasing 165, England stumbled early to 58/4 before Brook counter-attacked with a historic 100 off just 50 balls -- the first century by a captain in T20 World Cup history. Despite a late collapse and a four-wicket haul (4/30) from Shaheen Afridi, England held their nerve, with Jofra Archer striking the winning boundary to finish at 166/8 in 19.1 overs.Earlier in the match, Sahibzada Farhan's 63 off 45 balls anchored Pakistan to 164/9 after they chose to bat. England's bowlers, led by Liam Dawson (3/24), consistently picked up key wickets to restrict the total.

With two wins in two Super 8 matches, England confirmed their semifinal berth.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
A hundred off 50 balls as captain under pressure is phenomenal. It's a shame for Pakistan, they have such talented players but just can't seem to close out games. Shaheen's spell was brilliant though. England vs New Zealand should be a cracking semi-final.
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Priya S
Brook's humility is refreshing. "Happy to get the job done" instead of boasting about the century. That's the sign of a good leader. Hope our Indian players are taking notes for the big matches ahead! The promotion to No. 3 was a masterstroke by McCullum.
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Rohit P
As an Indian fan, I have to say England are looking like the team to beat. That said, our bowling attack is far more potent than Pakistan's. We wouldn't let someone score a hundred that easily in a chase. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Focus on our own game first.
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Vikram M
Respectful criticism: Pakistan's fielding and death bowling let them down again. They had England on the ropes at 58/4. World-class teams don't let that advantage slip. England were clinical when it mattered. Brook played a gem, but the match was there for Pakistan's taking.
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Michael C
First captain's century in T20 WC history! That's a fantastic record for Brook. The game had everything - a collapse, a brilliant counter-attack, a late twist. Fantastic advertisement for the sport. Can't wait for the semis.

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