England have booked their spot in the T20 World Cup semifinals with a match still to play, and it’s all thanks to a stunning knock from captain Harry Brook.
Brook smashed an incredible 100 off just 51 balls in Pallekele, guiding his side to a two-wicket Super 8 triumph over Pakistan.
It’s a record-breaking achievement too – no England skipper has ever scored higher at a men’s T20 World Cup.
The victory means England will head into Friday’s clash with New Zealand in Colombo already guaranteed a last-four berth for a remarkable fifth consecutive tournament.
Harry Brook’s majestic century spared England’s blushes against Pakistan
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England’s run chase got off to a nightmare start, with Phil Salt departing off the very first delivery, caught behind off Shaheen Afridi’s bowling.
Jos Buttler’s poor form with the bat continued, while Jacob Bethell managed just eight runs after being given a lifeline when dropped.
With four of the top five batters gone for single figures, England found themselves in serious trouble at 17-2.
That’s when Brook strode to the crease and completely transformed the match.
The captain launched an assault featuring 10 boundaries and four maximums, fully justifying head coach Brendon McCullum’s decision to push him up to number three.
Pakistan had earlier set England a target of 165 to beat
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Brook was delighted with how things panned out, crediting McCullum for the tactical switch.
“It was all Baz,” Brook said. “He came to me this morning and said that we might change things up with me in at three today.
“We have spoken about changing and adapting all sorts throughout this competition, so it was just about having the bravery to do that today. It was awesome.”
The captain admitted he hadn’t batted in that position often but loved the opportunity to face more deliveries.
“I’m very happy with the way we played there. It’s just nice to get through to the semi-finals now,” he added.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha didn’t hold back when assessing the defeat.
Phil Salt fell from the first ball as England made tough work of their run chase
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“Honestly, this is a very embarrassing defeat for us, it’s really hard to accept this loss,” he told Sky Sports, though he remained hopeful his side could still reach the semifinals.
Will Jacks was full of praise for his skipper’s heroics.
“It was brilliant. Obviously he was given that extra responsibility going up to number three and a hundred straight away,” the all-rounder said.
England are through to the semifinals but had to fight for it
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“I think he is our best batter and should face as many balls as possible.”
England now turn their attention to New Zealand on Friday.