KANDY: England booked their place in the semi finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after skipper Harry Brook produced a magnificent century to guide his side to a dramatic two wicket victory over Pakistan in the Super Eight clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a challenging target of 165, England endured a tense finish but ultimately crossed the line with two wickets in hand, despite losing eight batters along the way.

Early Collapse Rocks England

The run chase got off to a shaky start as Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi struck early. Phil Salt was dismissed for a duck in the opening over, while Jos Buttler’s lean patch continued. Jacob Bethell soon followed, leaving England reeling at 35-3 inside five overs.

With pressure mounting, Brook stepped up to anchor the innings. Displaying calmness and class, he stitched together crucial partnerships to rebuild the chase.

Brook added 23 runs with Tom Banton and 45 with Sam Curran before forming a decisive 52 run stand with Will Jacks for the sixth wicket a partnership that shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour.

Afridi eventually ended Brook’s superb knock on the final ball of the 17th over, but the damage had already been done.

Archer Holds His Nerve

The drama continued when Jacks fell for 28 to Mohammad Nawaz, who also removed Jamie Overton in the same over to set up a nail biting finish.

Needing three runs in the final over with two wickets remaining, Jofra Archer showed composure, smashing a boundary off Salman Mirza on the very first ball to seal England’s semi-final berth.

Afridi was Pakistan’s standout performer with figures of 4-30, while Usman Tariq Nawaz claimed two wickets.

---

Farhan’s Fifty Lifts Pakistan to Competitive Total

Earlier, Sahibzada Farhan’s fighting half-century had powered Pakistan to 164-9 after being asked to bat first.

Pakistan suffered early setbacks as Saim Ayub and captain Salman Ali Agha departed cheaply, reducing the side to 27-2 inside four overs.

Farhan steadied the innings alongside Babar Azam with a 46 run stand. After Babar’s cautious 25 was ended by Jamie Overton, Farhan continued to counterattack.

He shared a brisk 49-run partnership with Fakhar Zaman, taking Pakistan past the 110 mark. Farhan eventually fell for a well made 63 off 45 balls, including two sixes and seven fours.

Late cameos, including a quickfire 23 from Shadab Khan, helped Pakistan post a competitive total. For England, Liam Dawson impressed with three wickets.

In the end, however, it was Brook’s brilliance that proved decisive, sending England into the final four of the tournament.