Harry Brook produced a captain’s innings of the highest quality to guide England into the semi-finals of the World Cup, sealing a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Chasing 165, England were rocked early, but Brook’s magnificent 100 from 51 balls ensured they became the first team to confirm a place in the last four. The defeat leaves Pakistan facing a far more complicated route to the semi-finals.
After winning the toss, Pakistan chose to bat but made an unsteady start. Saim Ayub fell for 7, and captain Salman Ali Agha managed only 5 as Pakistan slipped to 27 for 2.
Sahibzada Farhan anchored the innings impressively, combining composure with attacking strokeplay. Alongside Babar Azam, who made 25 from 24 deliveries, Farhan helped Pakistan to 46 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.
Farhan continued fluently, bringing up a well-crafted half-century before eventually falling for 63 from 45 balls at a strike rate of 140. Fakhar Zaman added a brisk 25, while late hitting from Shadab Khan, who struck 23 from 11 balls, lifted Pakistan to 164 for 9 from their 20 overs.
Liam Dawson was England’s standout bowler with three wickets, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton claimed two apiece.
England’s chase began disastrously. Phil Salt was dismissed first ball by Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Jos Buttler soon followed for 2, leaving the innings in early trouble at 17 for 2.
Brook, batting at number three, took responsibility. Despite further wickets falling — including Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton — he counterattacked brilliantly, reaching a 28-ball half-century as England reached 53 for 3 at the end of the powerplay.
Sam Curran’s 16 proved useful support, and Will Jacks added 28 as Brook continued to dominate. The equation tightened briefly, but a decisive 17th over from Shaheen yielded 17 runs, during which Brook reached his century from just 50 balls. He was dismissed shortly after for a superb 100 from 51 deliveries.
With 10 runs required from three overs, England wobbled again, losing Jacks and Overton. However, needing three from the final over, Adil Rashid struck a boundary from the first ball to seal victory with five deliveries remaining.
Shaheen finished with four wickets for Pakistan, while Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz claimed two each.
England’s emphatic win makes them the first side to secure a semi-final berth at this year’s tournament. Pakistan, meanwhile, must now rely on other results to keep their campaign alive.
