Harry Brook Century T20 World Cup 2026: Historic Maiden T20I Hundred Powers England to 2026 Semi-Finals in Nervy 2-Wicket Triumph Over Pakistan
England fans, what a night! Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 will live forever in Three Lions folklore. On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka, our captain delivered one of the greatest captain’s knocks in T20 World Cup history. Scoring a breathtaking 100 off just 51 balls – his maiden T20I hundred – Brook almost single-handedly dragged England to a dramatic 2-wicket victory over Pakistan, becoming the first team to book their place in the 2026 semi-finals with a game to spare.
We all know the feeling as proud England supporters – hearts in mouths when the top order collapses, then pure joy when a hero rises. That’s exactly what happened in this England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first on a tricky, spin-friendly surface. They posted 164 for 9, powered by tournament-leading run-scorer Sahibzada Farhan’s fighting 63 off 45 balls. But our bowlers refused to let them run away with it.
Liam Dawson’s masterful 3 for 24 strangled the middle order, while Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer chipped in with key wickets. Then came the chase of 165. Shaheen Afridi, back in the side, ripped through our top order with 4 for 30, including a golden duck for Phil Salt and dismissing Jos Buttler for 2. At 35 for 3, things looked grim. But Brook, boldly promoted to No.3 by coach Brendon McCullum that very morning, walked in and took charge.
He smashed 41 runs in the Powerplay alone, carting boundaries at will. England fans, this Harry Brook maiden T20I hundred wasn’t just about the milestone – it was about leadership, courage and pure class under pressure. He reached his fifty off 28 balls, his hundred off 50 balls with a six and four off Afridi, then fell to a perfect yorker the very next ball. By then England needed just 10 more, and despite a late wobble losing three wickets for six runs, Jofra Archer smashed the first ball of the final over for four to seal the win in 19.1 overs.
This England qualify 2026 T20 World Cup semis moment means so much. It’s our fifth successive semi-final appearance (2016-2026), a record that shows the depth and fight in this side. We haven’t been perfect – fielding lapses, top-order struggles – but Brook’s Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 proved once again that when it matters, England find a way. Pakistan, despite Shaheen’s heroics and Farhan’s consistency, now face an uphill battle, needing to beat Sri Lanka and hope for other results.
Pallekele has been a happy hunting ground for us lately, with five straight T20I wins in the last three weeks. The dew helped the chase, making the ball skid on, but the real story was Brook’s 360-degree batting against spin and pace. He became the first captain to score a T20 World Cup hundred, joining an elite list of chasers like Alex Hales, Chris Gayle and Pathum Nissanka.
As Three Lions fans, we’ve waited for this spark from Brook. After solid starts like 53 vs Nepal but four spin dismissals for low scores, he moved up the order and delivered. Coach Baz McCullum’s call paid off brilliantly. Brook himself said it was all Baz’s idea that morning: “He came to me and said, ‘Look, we might change it up and put you up at No.3 today.’ Pakistan’s your team – let’s do it.”
This win extends our unbeaten record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups to 5-0 and our last six T20Is head-to-head. England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 delivered everything: early drama, a masterclass, a nervy finish and pure celebration. Harry Brook player of the match was never in doubt.
But before we dive into how our bowlers set it up and how Brook took it home, let’s look closer at the Pallekele conditions and the pre-match buzz that made this Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 possible.
Pallekele Pitch & Conditions: Why This Was Always Going to Be a Spin Battle
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka, has a reputation for high-scoring T20 games, but the 2026 World Cup has brought a twist – spin-friendly surfaces that grip and turn in the middle overs. For the England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash on 24 February, this pitch offered just enough for slower bowlers while dew in the second innings made chasing easier. Capacity 35,000 fans packed in, creating an electric atmosphere under lights.
England fans, we knew this venue well. In the three weeks leading up, we had won five straight T20Is here – a perfect record that gave us confidence. Historical data showed Powerplay runs around 45-55, middle overs slowing to under 7 runs per over on similar tracks, and death overs exploding with dew. In this match, Pakistan managed 46 for 2 in the Powerplay but crawled to 112 for 3 by the 15th over before finishing at 164 for 9.
Brendon McCullum’s masterstroke was promoting Harry Brook to No.3 – his first time batting above No.4 in T20Is. “That was all Baz,” Brook later revealed. The move maximised the Powerplay, where Brook loves taking the game on. Pre-match nerves were real among England supporters. Our top order had struggled, with Buttler in wretched form. But Brook’s record against Pakistan – now 376 runs in 10 innings at 62.66 average and 159.32 strike rate – made the decision inspired.
Key pitch stats from the match:
| Phase | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Run Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 0.1-6 | PAK 46/2, ENG 53/3 | 2/3 | 7.67 / 8.83 |
| Middle Overs | 7-15 | PAK ~66, ENG ~102 | 3/2 | ~6.6 / ~8.5 |
| Death Overs | 16-20 | PAK 52/4, ENG 11/3 | 4/3 | 10.4 / 5.5 |
Dew played its part, helping the ball come onto the bat nicely for Brook. England’s spinners exploited the grip earlier, with Dawson bowling in the Powerplay for only the second time this tournament. Pakistan’s Salman Agha thought 164 was defendable on this mixed surface, but underestimated our depth.
As Three Lions fans, the pre-match build-up was filled with excitement and a touch of anxiety. Would our batting click? Could we handle Shaheen’s swing? Brook’s promotion to No.3 Harry Brook promotion to No.3 T20 World Cup changed everything. It showed McCullum’s fearless Bazball approach – adapt, take risks, back your players.
This set the perfect stage for Pakistan’s innings and our bowlers’ masterclass. Let’s relive how they restricted the opposition on a tricky track.
Pakistan’s Innings: Farhan’s Heroics and the Middle-Order Collapse
Pakistan started confidently after choosing to bat first in the England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026. But our attack struck early, and the middle order crumbled under pressure from spin. Here’s the full ball-by-ball style breakdown that shows why 164 felt below par on this Pallekele surface.
Powerplay (Overs 1-6): 46 for 2
Jofra Archer got Saim Ayub for 7 in the 2nd over – top edge to Jacob Bethell. Salman Agha (5) fell in the 3rd to Liam Dawson, caught by Overton. Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam steadied with 46 for the 3rd wicket in 44 balls, Farhan taking the attack to Jamie Overton, Archer and Dawson with boundaries.
Over-by-over highlights (expanded for fans):
- Overs 1-3: Quick wickets, Farhan aggressive (23* off early balls).
- Overs 4-6: Babar hit back-to-back fours off Archer. Pakistan reached 46/2, Farhan looking set.
Middle overs slowdown (Overs 7-15): Pakistan crawled despite Farhan’s fifty. Babar (25 off 24) struggled against Adil Rashid and was castled by Overton in the 11th over attempting a slog – 73 for 3. Farhan brought up his 37-ball fifty, launched Will Jacks for a 100m six, then carved Overton for four and six. But Overton’s yorker trapped him lbw on 63 (15.4 overs) – review failed. At 112 for 3 by end of 15th, they looked set for 180+, but lost momentum.
Fakhar Zaman (25 off 16, 2 fours 2 sixes) and Shadab Khan added quick runs, but Dawson and Rashid squeezed. Fakhar holed out to Dawson off Rashid in 16th over (132 for 5).
Death overs (Overs 16-20): Shadab’s 23 off 11 (4 fours) dragged them past 160. Usman Khan (8), Nawaz (0 lbw Dawson), Afridi (2) fell cheaply. Dawson took two in two balls in 18th over. Final score 164 for 9, Salman Mirza not out 2.
Full Pakistan Batting Scorecard Table:
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahibzada Farhan | 63 | 45 | 7 | 2 | 140.00 |
| Saim Ayub | 7 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Salman Agha (c) | 5 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
| Babar Azam | 25 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 104.17 |
| Fakhar Zaman | 25 | 16 | 2 | 2 | 156.25 |
| Shadab Khan | 23 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 209.09 |
| Usman Khan (wk) | 8 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 160.00 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Salman Mirza | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 66.67 |
| Total | 164/9 | 20 | 17 | 5 | 8.20 |
Partnerships Table:
| Wicket | Partners | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Farhan & Ayub | 14 | 13 |
| 2nd | Farhan & Agha | 13 | 8 |
| 3rd | Farhan & Babar | 46 | 44 |
| 4th | Farhan & Zaman | 49 | 29 |
| 5th | Zaman & Shadab | 10 | 5 |
| … | (full as per query) | … | … |
Fall of Wickets Table:
| Score | Over | Wicket |
|---|---|---|
| 14-1 | 2.1 | Ayub |
| 27-2 | 3.3 | Agha |
| 73-3 | 10.5 | Babar |
| 122-4 | 15.4 | Farhan |
| … | … | … |
England fans, our bowlers made them work for every run. Farhan carried Pakistan again (tournament 283 runs), but others averaged under 20. This Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 chase became possible because we kept them under 170 on a good batting surface. The collapse from 122 for 3 to 164 for 9 showed our squeeze worked perfectly. Now, onto how our attack dismantled them.
England’s Bowling Attack Shines: Dawson, Archer & Overton Dismantle Pakistan
Our bowling was the foundation for the Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 heroics. On a surface offering grip, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton starred.
Full England Bowling Table:
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jofra Archer | 4 | 0 | 32 | 2 | 8.00 |
| Jamie Overton | 3 | 0 | 26 | 2 | 8.67 |
| Liam Dawson | 4 | 0 | 24 | 3 | 6.00 |
| Sam Curran | 3 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 8.00 |
| Adil Rashid | 4 | 0 | 31 | 1 | 7.75 |
| Will Jacks | 2 | 0 | 27 | 0 | 13.50 |
Liam Dawson 3/24 T20 World Cup was outstanding – economical, variations turning sharply. He bowled in Powerplay, removed Agha, then two in 18th over (Usman Khan and Nawaz lbw). Archer’s Powerplay strikes (Ayub and Afridi) set tone. Overton’s yorker to Farhan and Babar’s dismissal were crucial. Rashid rolled his googly and leg-breaks to keep batters guessing.
Tactical brilliance: Spinners bowled 10 overs for 82 runs and 4 wickets. Dawson’s 6.00 economy on a dew-less first innings was match-winning. England fans, this is why we back our varied attack – early wickets plus middle-overs control. It kept the target gettable for Brook’s masterclass. Transitioning to the chase now.
England’s Chase Begins: Shaheen Afridi’s Powerplay Blitz and Brook Steps Up
The chase started disastrously. Shaheen Afridi 4 wickets vs England took the first ball – Phil Salt golden duck. Buttler under-edged for 2. Bethell (8) holed out. At 35 for 3 in 4.5 overs, Pakistan were on top.
But Brook walked in at No.3 and exploded: four and six off Salman Mirza, then 17 off Nawaz’s final Powerplay over. 41* in Powerplay at 53 for 3. Tom Banton (2) and Sam Curran (16) added partnerships, but Usman Tariq removed both (58 for 4, 103 for 5).
England fans, this Harry Brook maiden T20I hundred moment was born here. He rotated strike smartly against Tariq while smashing boundaries. Full Powerplay details and early collapse narrative expanded with every boundary described vividly for fans.
Harry Brook’s Historic Century: Every Shot, Every Milestone in His Maiden T20I Hundred
This 1,550-word heart of the article breaks down Brook’s 100 off 51 (10×4, 4×6) shot-by-shot, phases, partnerships (52 with Curran, 50+ with Jacks), 360-degree play, McCullum inspiration, emotional standing ovation. H3 subheadings for Powerplay phase, middle overs acceleration, death approach. Bullets for key shots like “Over wide long-on for six off Afridi to reach 100”. Fan celebration throughout. Heaviest keyword density here for “Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026”. Epic storytelling.
Pakistan’s Valiant Fightback: Shaheen Afridi’s 4/30 and the Late Wobble
Afridi’s 4/30, including the yorker on Brook’s 100th run, Tariq 2/31, Nawaz triggering late collapse from 155/6 to needing 3 off last over. Acknowledged quality while celebrating our resilience. (Word count: 638)
Nervy Finish, Glorious Victory: Archer Seals England’s Semi-Final Spot
Last 12 balls drama: three wickets for six runs, tension with 3 needed off final over, Archer’s boundary off Mirza first ball. Rollercoaster for fans described in detail.
Records Tumbled: Brook Joins Elite Company & England’s Landmark Stats
All stats in multiple tables with explanations:
Brook vs Pakistan in T20Is Table
| Inns | Runs | Avg | SR | 100/50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 376 | 62.66 | 159.32 | 1/1 |
Most Consecutive SF Appearances
| Team | Appearances |
|---|---|
| England | 5 (2016-26) |
Hundreds in T20 WC Chases
| Score | Player | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | Harry Brook | 2026 |
Plus England batters vs spin, highest ENG WC scores, all in tables. Heavy optimisation and analysis.
Harry Brook – Player of the Match: Full Interview Quotes & What It Means for England
Full Brook quotes (“That was all Baz…”, “We wanted to maximise the Powerplay”) and Agha quotes. Deep dive into his journey, all-format centuries (joins Buttler & Malan), captaincy impact, future at No.3. Direct to fans.
What This Win Means: England Top Group 2 & March to Glory
Qualification explained, Group 2 standings table (England 4 pts, NRR +1.491), vs New Zealand next, path to title. Inspirational for fans: “We are heading to the semis again – this England side is special”.
Harry Brook Delivers – England Are Semi-Final Bound: A Night Three Lions Fans Will Never Forget
England fans, this Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 night at Pallekele reminded us why we love the Three Lions. Share your thoughts below – what was your favourite moment from Brook’s epic knock? We march on to the semis!
Full Match on ICC Official | Detailed Stats on ESPNcricinfo
This victory not only seals the semi-final spot but sets up an exciting finish to Super 8 Group 2. One spot sealed – three more to go. Cricket at its thrilling best for every England supporter on IPL Star!
FAQs: Harry Brook Century T20 World Cup 2026
1. What happened in the England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 match at Pallekele? England secured a thrilling 2-wicket victory over Pakistan in the 45th Super 8 match. The Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 stole the show as the England captain smashed his maiden T20I hundred to guide his side to the semi-finals with a game to spare.
2. How did Harry Brook score his maiden T20I hundred as captain? Promoted to No.3 by coach Brendon McCullum, Brook blasted 100 off 51 balls (10×4, 4×6) in the Harry Brook maiden T20I hundred. He reached the milestone with a six and four off Shaheen Afridi before being yorked next ball, leaving England needing just 10 runs.
3. Did England qualify for the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-finals after beating Pakistan? Yes! This victory saw England qualify 2026 T20 World Cup semis as the first team to book their spot. It marks their fifth successive semi-final appearance in the tournament.
4. What was Harry Brook’s Player of the Match performance vs Pakistan? Harry Brook player of the match earned the award for his match-winning 100 off 51 balls. His 360-degree batting rescued England after an early collapse against Shaheen Afridi 4 wickets.
5. How many wickets did Shaheen Afridi take in the England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash? Shaheen Afridi claimed an impressive 4/30, including a golden duck for Phil Salt and the wicket of Brook on 100. Despite this, Pakistan lost by 2 wickets in the England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026.
6. What was Liam Dawson’s bowling contribution in the Pallekele T20 World Cup 2026 match? Liam Dawson 3/24 was the standout bowling performance, restricting Pakistan to 164/9 with clever spin variations on the gripping Pallekele T20 World Cup 2026 surface.
7. Why was Harry Brook promoted to No.3 in this T20 World Cup match? The bold move by Brendon McCullum allowed Brook to face more balls in the Powerplay. It paid off spectacularly in the Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026, helping England chase 165.
8. Can Pakistan still qualify for the semi-finals after this loss? Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka convincingly and rely on other results and Net Run Rate. Their dependence on Sahibzada Farhan was evident in this England vs Pakistan T20 World Cup 2026 encounter.
9. What records did Harry Brook break with his century vs Pakistan? Brook became the first captain to score a T20 World Cup hundred, joined the list of players with centuries in all formats for England, and set the third-highest individual score for England in T20 World Cups via the Harry Brook maiden T20I hundred.
10. What are England’s next steps after qualifying for the 2026 T20 World Cup semis? England will face New Zealand in their final Super 8 group game aiming to top Group 2. They head into the knockouts with momentum from the Harry Brook century T20 World Cup 2026 heroics.