ENG vs PAK T20 World Cup 2026: Harry Brook Goes BERSERK to Seal an Absolute Thriller
By Crick tv
Updated: Feb 25, 2026 11:41 AM
If you missed the 45th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, you missed a certified classic. We are talking high stakes, flying stumps, and a captain’s knock for the ages. England just pulled off a nerve-wracking 2-wicket victory against Pakistan in their Super 8 Group 2 clash at Pallekele, officially making them the first team to punch their ticket to the semi-finals.
This wasn't just a cricket match; it was an absolute rollercoaster. Let’s break down the dhamakedar action!
The Setup: Pakistan’s Gritty Stand
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, but England’s bowlers came with a clear plan. Despite early hiccups, Sahibzada Farhan stood tall, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 63 off 45 balls. With crucial cameos from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan managed to post a fighting 164/9.
England's spin wizard Liam Dawson was the chief tormentor, picking up 3/24, while Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton kept the pressure on in the death overs. A target of 165 looked manageable, right? Enter Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The Afridi Hurricane
Chasing 165, England's start was nothing short of a nightmare. Shaheen Afridi did what he does best—breathing absolute fire with the new ball.
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First-Ball Drama: Phil Salt was caught behind on the very first delivery for a golden duck.
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Double Trouble: Jos Buttler was sent packing for just 2 runs shortly after.
At 2/2, and later stumbling to 35/3, the English dugout looked stunned. Pakistan was smelling blood, and the internet was ready to meme an epic English collapse.
Captain Marvel: Harry Brook’s Masterclass
Just when things looked completely bleak, Captain Harry Brook decided to flip the script. In a massive tactical flex, Brook promoted himself up the order to No. 3 and unleashed pure carnage.
While the pressure was sky-high, Brook played like he had cheat codes activated. He bludgeoned his way to a sensational 100 off just 51 balls, striking at an insane 196.08. Smashing 10 fours and 4 massive sixes, he single-handedly snatched the game away from Pakistan. Supported by a vital 28 from Will Jacks, Brook turned a disaster scenario into a masterclass of modern T20 batting.
The Nail-Biting Climax
Because it's an ENG vs PAK clash, there had to be late-game drama. Brook fell just before the finish line, and a flurry of quick wickets brought the tension right back to boiling point. England needed 10 runs off the last 18 balls, but Pakistan’s bowlers refused to throw in the towel. Ultimately, it was Jofra Archer who held his nerve, smashing a boundary off Salman Mirza with just 5 balls to spare to seal the win at 166/8.
Why This Match Broke the Internet
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The Ultimate Power Move: Brook promoting himself to No. 3 and scoring a match-winning century when his team was 2/2 is peak leadership.
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Afridi’s Magic: That opening spell from Shaheen was a stark reminder of why he is one of the most feared pacers in world cricket.
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The Semi-Final Ticket: England becomes the first team to officially qualify for the final four, proving they are peaking at the perfect time.
England is looking absolutely lethal, while Pakistan is now left doing the math, hoping other results go their way to keep their World Cup dreams alive. What a game!