England secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan to qualify for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The high-pressure Super Eight clash took place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
With this win, England became the first team to book a semi-final spot in the 20-team tournament. The victory gave them four points in Group 2 and strengthened their position at the top of the table.
Chasing a target of 165 runs, England reached 165 for 8 with five balls to spare. Captain Harry Brook led from the front with a stunning century under pressure. His match-winning knock proved decisive in a tense contest.
Harry Brook’s Century Anchors Dramatic Run Chase
England had a disastrous start to their innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early with three key wickets. He dismissed Phil Salt for zero, Jos Buttler for two, and Jacob Bethell for eight. Pakistan reduced England to 35 for 3 inside five overs.
Despite the collapse, Brook remained calm at the crease. He steadied the innings with small but important partnerships. First, he added 23 runs with Tom Banton. Then, he stitched a crucial 45-run stand with Sam Curran, who contributed 16.
However, Pakistan continued to apply pressure. England needed stability in the middle overs. At that stage, Will Jacks joined Brook at No.7. The pair built a vital 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket. That stand shifted momentum toward England.
Brook dominated the scoring. He smashed 100 runs off just 51 balls. His innings included 10 fours and four sixes. Shaheen eventually bowled him in the 17th over, but the damage was done.
Jacks scored 28 before Mohammad Nawaz dismissed him. Nawaz struck again in the same over to remove Jamie Overton. England suddenly needed three runs in the final over with two wickets in hand.
Then, Jofra Archer finished the match in style. He struck a boundary off the first ball of the last over to seal victory.
Shaheen was Pakistan’s standout bowler with four wickets for 30 runs. Usman Tariq and Nawaz picked up two wickets each.
Farhan’s Fifty Lifts Pakistan to Competitive Total
Earlier, Pakistan posted 164 for 9 in 20 overs. The innings revolved around a solid knock from Sahibzada Farhan. Pakistan struggled early after losing Saim Ayub for seven and captain Salman Ali Agha for five.
Then, Babar Azam partnered Farhan to rebuild the innings. The duo added 46 runs before Jamie Overton dismissed Babar for 25.
Farhan continued to anchor the innings. He added 49 runs with Fakhar Zaman for the fourth wicket. Farhan scored 63 off 45 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes.
Fakhar contributed 25 quick runs before falling to Adil Rashid. Later, Liam Dawson struck twice in one over to remove Usman Khan and Mohammad Nawaz.
Shadab Khan added a late cameo of 23 runs off 11 balls to push Pakistan past 160. England bowlers kept tight control in the death overs. Dawson finished with 3 for 24, while Archer and Overton claimed two wickets each.
England’s clinical chase ended Pakistan’s semi-final hopes. Meanwhile, the Three Lions advanced confidently into the knockout stage.
