England qualified for the T20 World Cup semi‑finals with a game to spare after Harry Brook’s masterful century inspired a two‑wicket Super 8 victory over Pakistan in Pallekele.
Brook’s 100 off 51 balls – the highest score by an England captain at a men’s T20 World Cup – dragged his team out of trouble after four of the top five had departed for single figures.
England encountered early problems in their chase of 165, with Phil Salt out for a golden duck off Shaheen Shah Afridi, who extended Jos Buttler’s struggles with the bat and ensured Jacob Bethell (8) added just two runs after being dropped.
Brook, arriving at the crease with England 17‑2, paved the way to victory, smashing 10 fours and four sixes as he vindicated the decision to promote him up to number three in the batting order.
Liam Dawson had starred with the ball, taking 3‑24, as England restricted Pakistan to 164‑9 from their 20 overs after they won the toss and chose to bat, and it proved a sub-par total, with England winning by two wickets with five balls to spare.
The win means England head to Colombo for Friday’s final Super 8 match against New Zealand – live on Sky Sports – already assured of a place in the semi‑finals for a record fifth successive time.
For Pakistan, they must beat co‑hosts Sri Lanka on Saturday and hope other results go their way to have any chance of joining England in the last four.
More to follow.
England’s T20 World Cup Super 8s results and fixtures
All times UK and Ireland; all games live on Sky Sports Cricket
Watch every game from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup live on Sky Sports Cricket, including the competition final on Sunday March 8. Get Sky Sports or stream contract-free with NOW.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: skynews.com
