The Harry Brook T20 World Cup century stunned Pakistan and secured England’s place in the semi-finals. After the match, Shaheen Shah Afridi described it as “the best innings of his life.”
Brook scored his maiden T20 international hundred off just 50 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes while chasing a target of 165. England reached the total with five balls remaining and won by two wickets.
Earlier, Afridi had put England under pressure. He dismissed Phil Salt with the first ball of the innings and later removed Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell. England slipped to 35-3 inside the powerplay.
However, Brook steadied the chase. He built crucial partnerships with Sam Curran and Will Jacks. His composed approach shifted momentum on a challenging surface.
Harry Brook’s T20 World Cup Century Turns the Game
Harry Brook’s T20 World Cup century was the second-fastest in tournament history. It was also the first century by a team captain in the competition. Only Chris Gayle reached three figures quicker, doing so in 47 balls in 2016.
As Brook entered the nineties, he accelerated. He struck Afridi for a six and a four to move from 90 to 100 in just two deliveries. Although Afridi bowled him with a yorker soon after, he immediately walked over to congratulate the England captain.
“Brook played proper cricketing shots, and he deserved a handshake,” Afridi said.
The victory confirmed England’s place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s hopes now depend on other results. They have one point from two Super Eight matches.
Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka in their final game and rely on favourable outcomes elsewhere. “We know our fate is not in our hands,” Afridi admitted. “It’s not ideal, but it is like this.”
