England Makes History as First Semifinalist in T20 WC
Synopsis
In a thrilling match, England's captain Harry Brook made history by scoring a century, leading his team to become the first semifinalists of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, defeating Pakistan by two wickets. Discover how this remarkable game unfolded in Kandy.
Key Takeaways
Harry Brook became the first captain to score a century in a men's T20 World Cup match.
England successfully chased down Pakistan's total of 164 runs.
England's victory guarantees their place in the semifinals of the T20 World Cup.
Liam Dawson was a standout bowler with 3 wickets for 24 runs.
This match highlights the competitive nature of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Kandy (Sri Lanka), Feb 24 (NationPress) In a remarkable achievement, England, the two-time T20 World Cup champions, became the first squad to secure a place in the semifinals of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. This milestone was marked by an outstanding century from captain Harry Brook, who led his team to a thrilling victory over Pakistan by two wickets during a Super 8 stage match held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Brook's performance was historic as he became the first captain to score a century in a men’s T20 World Cup match. His innings of 100 runs off 51 balls featured 10 fours and four sixes, enabling England to successfully chase down Pakistan’s total of 164 for 9 with just moments to spare.
He reached his century milestone with a boundary off Shaheen Shah Afridi and became only the third English player to hit a T20 World Cup century, joining the ranks of Alex Hales and Jos Buttler. Furthermore, this marked the first century recorded by an England captain in men’s T20 Internationals, surpassing the previous highest score of 98 by Chris Gayle in 2010.
While pursuing a target of 165, England encountered challenges, but Brook's aggressive batting turned the tide. Sam Curran (16) and Will Jacks (28) provided crucial support, yet it was Brook's leadership and audacious shots that outclassed Pakistan's bowlers.
Earlier in the match, Liam Dawson excelled with the ball, securing 3 wickets for 24 runs, effectively restricting Pakistan on a flat pitch. Jamie Overton (2 for 26) and Jofra Archer (2 for 32) also made significant contributions after Pakistan opted to bat first. Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan's top scorer, amassing 63 off 45 balls, forming a 46-run partnership with Babar Azam (25). However, a series of lost wickets hindered their ability to fully capitalize on their batting efforts. Fakhar Zaman added 25 off 16, while Shadab Khan remained unbeaten on 23.
Having triumphed over Sri Lanka in their initial Super Eight match and with Pakistan's game against New Zealand being rained out, England's recent victory has guaranteed their spot in the semifinals of the 2026 tournament.
Point of View
The significance of England’s achievement in reaching the semifinals of the T20 World Cup cannot be overstated. Captain Harry Brook's historic performance highlights the team's resilience and skill, showcasing the competitive spirit of international cricket.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the historic century for England?
Harry Brook scored the historic century for England during their match against Pakistan.
What was the outcome of the England vs. Pakistan match?
England won the match against Pakistan by two wickets, securing a place in the semifinals.
When did England secure their spot in the semifinals?
England secured their spot in the semifinals on February 24, 2026.
Who were the top bowlers for England in the match?
Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer were the top bowlers for England.
What was Pakistan's total score in the match?
Pakistan scored 164 runs for 9 wickets in their innings.
