England became the first side to book a semi-final berth at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 after a tense two-wicket win over Pakistan in Kandy on Tuesday (24).
England’s fifth successive appearance in the final four was sealed by captain Harry Brook, who produced a masterclass 100 off just 51 balls to become the first captain to score a century in T20 World Cup history.
Chasing 165, England were wobbling at 58 for 4 before Brook counterattacked with ten fours and four sixes, steering the former champions home in 19.1 overs with calm authority.
Earlier, Pakistan’s innings was built around a fighting 63 from Farhan, but disciplined spells from Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton and Liam Dawson restricted them to 164 after a late collapse from 122 for 4 to 149 for 8.
Despite a fiery four-wicket burst from Shaheen Afridi that kept the contest alive, England’s composure under pressure proved decisive, confirming their passage from Group 2 while Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand now battle for the final semi-final spot.
