The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium witnessed cricketing drama unfold as England defeated Pakistan by two wickets in a high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026 Super 8 clash. Captain Harry Brook’s first-ever T20I century – a blistering 100 off 51 deliveries – proved decisive in chasing down 165 with just enough balls to spare.
Pakistan’s bowlers drew first blood. Shaheen Afridi clean bowled Phil Salt on the opening delivery and soon had Jos Buttler for 2. The innings wobbled further with Jacob Bethell (8) and Tom Banton (2) departing cheaply, leaving England in dire straits at 4 down early.
Brook, promoted to No. 3, forged a vital stand with Sam Curran (16), adding 45 runs. Unfazed, Brook accelerated, hammering 10 boundaries and 4 maximums to reach three figures. Will Jacks’ 28 off 23 offered support, but Pakistan fought back late.
Mohammad Nawaz’s double strike in the 19th over – removing Jacks and Overton – set up a grandstand finish. Needing 7 off the last 6 balls, Jofra Archer dispatched the first delivery for four, sparking wild celebrations among the England camp.
Pakistan’s innings featured Sahibzada Farhan’s elegant 63 off 45, with contributions from Babar Azam (25), Fakhar Zaman (25), and Shadab Khan (23 off 11). They finished at 164 for 9.
Liam Dawson starred with 3-24 for England, backed by Archer (2-32) and Overton (2). Afridi’s 4-30 was a valiant effort in defeat.
England’s back-to-back Super 8 triumphs strengthen their position, while Pakistan must regroup to keep semifinal dreams alive.