England became the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals after captain Harry Brook’s magnificent maiden century powered them to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan.
Brook’s breathtaking 100 off 51 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, guided England to their target of 165 with five balls remaining, sealing their spot in the final four.
After a troubled start to the tournament that saw a narrow four-run escape against Nepal and a 30-run defeat to West Indies, England were not considered favorites entering the Super 8 stage.
However, Harry Brook’s men found their balance at the crucial juncture, stringing together four consecutive victories against Scotland and Italy in the group stages and Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Super 8s. Clinching the semi-final qualification with one match still remaining against New Zealand.
Harry Brook’s Record-Breaking Century
Brook produced a captain’s knock for the ages, becoming the first captain ever to score a T20 World Cup century.
His 100 is the highest individual score by any captain in T20 World Cup history. Brook also became the third England batter to score centuries across all three formats, joining Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan in this exclusive club.
His innings ranks as the third-highest individual score for England in T20 World Cups, behind Alex Hales’ 116* and Buttler’s 101*.
England’s Campaign: From Struggles to Semifinals
England’s journey included early scares before hitting top form. After scraping past Nepal and losing to West Indies in the group stage, they demolished Italy and Scotland to reach the Super 8s.
In the Super 8s phase, they crushed Sri Lanka by 51 runs before Brook’s heroics against Pakistan confirmed their semi-final berth. England have now won all four T20 World Cup encounters against Pakistan, extending their head-to-head winning streak to six matches.
