Brook's Century Fires England Into T20 WC Semi-Finals

Brook Delivers at the Death

The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka, was the setting for one of the tournament's most gripping encounters on February 24, as England edged Pakistan by two wickets in the T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8. With a semifinal spot on the line, it was England captain Harry Brook who rose to the occasion, smashing an extraordinary 100 off just 51 deliveries to guide his side home in 19.1 overs.

Pakistan had set England a stern target of 165, posting 164/9 on the back of Sahibzada Farhan's 63 off 45 balls and brisk contributions from Fakhar Zaman (25 off 16) and Shadab Khan (23 off 11). England's bowlers kept Pakistan honest throughout — Liam Dawson led the attack with figures of 3/24, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton each claimed two wickets to keep Pakistan's total in check.

Rescue Act at 58 for 4

England's run chase threatened to unravel early. At 58 for 4, the weight of the entire pursuit fell squarely on Brook's shoulders. What followed was a captain's innings of the highest order: ten fours, four sixes, and an unshakeable nerve that eventually saw England across the finish line with just two wickets to spare. It was the fifth consecutive time England have reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals — a remarkable streak of consistency at the tournament's sharp end.

Pakistan's Semifinal Math Gets Complicated

For Pakistan, the defeat was a bitter blow that took their fate firmly out of their own hands. With one point from two matches in Group 2 and a net run rate of -0.461, they now require a series of results to go their way. Most immediately, they need Sri Lanka to defeat New Zealand in the February 25 fixture at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo — before beating Sri Lanka themselves in their own final group match on February 28.

New Zealand sit on one point after their earlier washout against Pakistan, while co-hosts Sri Lanka are yet to open their Super 8 account (0 points, -2.550 NRR). The Colombo clash on February 25 is therefore the pivotal fixture that will shape the remaining semifinal picture for Group 2, with Sri Lanka needing victory to keep their own qualification hopes alive.

The Bigger Tournament Picture

England's dominant Super 8 campaign — they also defeated Sri Lanka by 51 runs in their opening group match — confirms them as one of the tournament favourites heading into the final four. In Group 1, defending champions India suffered a surprising 76-run defeat to South Africa on February 22, casting doubt over their title defence at a tournament they are co-hosting. Australia are also considered strong contenders for the knockout rounds.

The 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the tenth edition of the tournament, runs from February 7 to March 8 across venues in India and Sri Lanka. With the Super 8 now entering its decisive final round of matches, the contours of the semi-final lineup are coming sharply into focus — and after Brook's heroics in Kandy, England are already in the building.