In a thrilling encounter at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on February 24, 2026, England secured a dramatic two-wicket victory over Pakistan , becoming the first team to officially qualify for the T20 World Cup semifinals . Brook’s Captain’s Knock Seals the Deal The story of the match was undoubtedly Harry Brook . Chasing a target of 165, England’s top order crumbled early under a fierce spell from Shaheen Shah Afridi , who removed Phil Salt for a golden duck and followed up with the wickets of Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell. With England reeling at 35/3, Brook stepped up with a historic performance. He smashed a breathtaking 100 off just 51 balls , featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes. In doing so, Brook became the first captain ever to score a century in T20 World Cup history . Despite a late-game wobble where Pakistan's bowlers, led by Shaheen (4/30) and Mohammad Nawaz, took quick wickets to bring the game to the final over, Jofra Archer hit the winning boundary ...