The feat is no small accomplishment in the shortest format’s biggest stage. Rewind to 2014: Alex Hales opened for England against Sri Lanka, hammering an unbeaten 116 off 64 balls (11×4, 6×6) to overhaul 190 in 19.2 overs, silencing critics with a clinical chase.

Two years later in 2016, Chris Gayle turned the tide for West Indies against England. The Universe Boss smashed 100 not out off 48 balls (5×4, 11×6), chasing 183 in just 18.1 overs, his power-hitting a masterclass in aggressive limited-overs batting.

Fast-forward to this very tournament, where Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka produced a gem against Australia. Unbeaten on 100 off 52 balls (10×4, 5×6), he guided his side home chasing 182 in 20 overs, proving openers can dictate terms under lights.

What sets this quartet apart? Three stayed not out, but Brook’s wicket post-century didn’t diminish the impact. These performances highlight the evolution of T20 batting, where chasing big totals demands fearless strokeplay. As England eyes glory, Brook’s knock serves as a blueprint for success.

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.

Set 165 to win, England wobbled at 8 for 164 but Brook’s unbeaten 100 off 51 balls – laced with 10 fours and 4 sixes – guided them home in 19.1 overs. Jacks’ 28 off 23 added momentum in the chase.

Pakistan’s attack was led by Afridi’s fiery 4/30, with Nawaz and Tariq taking 2 wickets apiece. Their batting innings saw Farhan’s classy 63 off 45 anchor the total to 164/9. Azam (25), Zaman (25 off 16), and Khan (23 off 11) contributed, but early collapses hurt.

Dawson was England’s bowling hero, bagging 3/24 in his spell. Archer and Overton supported with 2 wickets each, restricting Pakistan effectively.

Building on their Sri Lanka rout, England’s back-to-back wins confirm semifinal progression. Pakistan, captained by Agha, must demolish New Zealand on the 27th and hope for miracles in other games to advance. This result intensifies the Super-8 drama.

The openers faltered early with Duckett out for 7 and Ahmed for 24, leaving England at 40 for 2. But Root, the seasoned campaigner, linked up with young Bethell for a resilient 126-run stand. Bethell’s 65, laced with 8 boundaries, came off 72 balls and rescued the innings until the score reached 166.

Brook then took center stage, partnering Root in a game-changing 191-run alliance that came at over 10 runs per over. The 24-year-old prodigy hammered 9 sixes and 11 fours in his 66-ball knock, reaching his fifty in 40 balls and century in 57 – his third in ODIs and personal best.

Root’s knock was a lesson in temperament, his 20th ODI ton coming off 108 balls with elegant strokeplay. Together, they dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling, which proved toothless. Fernando’s 9 overs cost 77, Hasaranga and Vandersay each went for 76 in 10 overs, with only Liyanage frugal at 7/3.

Tied 1-1 entering this finale, England have seized control with their highest ODI total of the series. Sri Lanka’s chase looms large, testing their resolve in front of a passionate home crowd. Can the islanders pull off a miracle, or will England’s batsmen prove too hot to handle?