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Harry Brook's Historic Century Powers England Into T20 WC Semis

England has become the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup following a tense two-wicket victory over Pakistan. Captain Harry Brook led the chase with a historic, match-winning century, becoming the first skipper to score a hundred in the tournament's history. Earlier, the English bowlers, led by Liam Dawson's three wickets, restricted Pakistan to 164 for 9 despite a solid knock from Sahibzada Farhan. This win, combined with their earlier result and Pakistan's washed-out game, sealed England's place in the final four.

Key Points: England First to T20 WC Semis After Brook's Historic Century

  • Brook scores first captain's century in T20 WC
  • England chases 165 to beat Pakistan
  • England first team to secure semifinal spot
  • Liam Dawson takes 3 wickets to restrict Pakistan
  • Victory follows win over Sri Lanka and Pakistan washout
2 min read

T20 WC: England becomes first team to enter semis

Captain Harry Brook's record-breaking 100 leads England to a thrilling win over Pakistan, securing the first semifinal spot in the T20 World Cup.

"Brook made history by becoming the first captain to score a hundred in a men's T20 World Cup match."

Kandy, Feb 24

Two-time former champions England became the first team to reach the semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after captain Harry Brook scored a historic century, beating Pakistan by two wickets in a Super 8 stage match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on Tuesday.

Brook made history by becoming the first captain to score a hundred in a men's T20 World Cup match. His impressive 100 off 51 balls included 10 fours and four sixes, helping England chase down Pakistan's total of 164 for 9 with little time to spare.

He reached the 50-ball milestone with a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi. Brook is only the third England batter to achieve a T20 World Cup century, following Alex Hales and Jos Buttler. Additionally, this was the first century by an England captain in men's T20Is, breaking the previous highest score by a skipper in a T20 World Cup, which was 98 by Chris Gayle in 2010.

While chasing 165, England struggled at times, but Brook counterattacked to take charge. Sam Curran (16) and Will Jacks (28) provided valuable support, but it was the captain who led the way, overpowering Pakistan's bowlers with bold shots.

Earlier, Liam Dawson starred with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 24 runs to limit Pakistan despite a flat batting pitch. Jamie Overton (2 for 26) and Jofra Archer (2 for 32) also contributed significantly after Pakistan chose to bat. Sahibzada Farhan was the top scorer with a solid 63 off 45 balls, partnering with Babar Azam (25) for a 46-run stand. However, they lost wickets regularly, which stopped Pakistan from fully capitalising. Fakhar Zaman added 25 off 16, while Shadab Khan finished not out on 23.

Having defeated Sri Lanka in their first Super Eight match and with Pakistan's game against New Zealand being washed out, England's latest victory ensured they became the first team to secure a spot in the last four of the 2026 tournament.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Pakistan's bowling looked a bit flat today, especially Shaheen. They really missed Naseem Shah's presence. England capitalized perfectly. Brook's century was a treat to watch, even if it was against a team I was supporting! Good for the tournament's excitement.
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Vikram M
First team to the semis! England's batting depth is scary. But honestly, the real test will be on slower Indian pitches later in the tournament. Our spinners will have a plan for Brook. Can't wait for India vs England if that happens! 🇮🇳
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Sarah B
Historic century indeed! But let's be fair, the article glosses over how close Pakistan came. 164 was a decent total and they took it to the last over. A bit more luck and the result could've been different. Both teams played well.
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Rohit P
England is peaking at the right time. Brook, Curran, Archer... they have match-winners. Pakistan's middle order collapse cost them dearly, as usual. Farhan played well but got no support. The group is wide open now for the other semi spot!
K
Kavya N
As a cricket fan from Mumbai, I just love watching a good chase! Brook was fearless. But a small criticism for the article – it barely mentions Liam Dawson's spell. 3/24 on a flat pitch was the real game-changer that set up the chase. Bowlers win matches too!

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