Harry Brook masterclass leads England into T20 World Cup semi-finals
A masterful hundred from Harry Brook led England into the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup with a two-wicket win over Pakistan.
Brook played quite magnificently as he made 100 from 51 deliveries to marshal a tricky chase of 165 even as wickets tumbled around him.
Having been promoted to No 3 by coach Brendon McCullum, England’s captain looked a class apart and fell with just 10 required after a strong partnership with Will Jacks (28).
Despite a late wobble after the pair were dismissed, a crisp pull from Jofra Archer took England over the line and into the last four following victory over Sri Lanka in their first game of the Super 8 phase.
Liam Dawson had earlier put the clamps on Pakistan’s innings with impressive figures of 3-24 from his four overs, with Archer also producing a hostile new-ball burst.
“I’m very happy with the way we played there,” Brook said. “It’s nice to get through to the semis.
“[The promotion to three] was all Baz [McCullum]. He came to me this morning and said, ‘we might change it up’. We’ve spoken about adapting and changing all sorts throughout this competition and having the bravery to do that today was awesome.
“I haven’t done it much, but it is nice to get out there and face as many balls as possible. Pakistan are always good, they have some world-class players in there, and it’s just nice to get over the line.”
It means England are through with a game against New Zealand still to come, while Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka and hope other results go their way after a washout against the Blackcaps.
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