By Sharon Ekhiwere
England secured a place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after a hard-fought two-wicket victory over Pakistan on Tuesday night at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Balagolla, Sri Lanka.
Needing a win to advance, England were inspired by captain Harry Brook, who scored a brilliant century to guide his side through under pressure.
Pakistan, who batted first, posted 164 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Sahibzada Farhan led the scoring with 63 off 45 balls before he was bowled by Jamie Overton. England’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Liam Dawson claiming a hat-trick. Jofra Archer and Overton took two wickets each, while Adil Rashid added one.
England’s chase began on a poor note as Phil Salt was caught behind off the first ball bowled by Shaheen Afridi, with wicketkeeper Usman Khan taking the catch.
With early wickets falling, Brook steadied the innings. He built important partnerships and kept England in the hunt. The skipper went on to record his maiden T20 International century before he was bowled by Afridi with England on 155 for 6.
Though Brook did not stay till the end, his innings proved decisive as England completed the chase with two wickets remaining.
The victory gives England two wins from two matches in Group One of the Super Eight stage. They had earlier defeated the Sri Lanka national cricket team and will next face the New Zealand national cricket team in their final Super Eight fixture on Friday.