England Reach Semi-Finals for Fifth Straight Time, Pakistan on Brink After Brooks Historic Hundred

England have secured their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. On Tuesday in Kandy, they defeated Pakistan by two wickets to book their spot in the final four. It marks the fifth consecutive time that England have reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

England captain Harry Brook was the hero of the victory. He played a शानदार innings of 100 runs off 51 balls, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes. In doing so, he became the first captain in T20 World Cup history to score a century. Chasing a target of 165, England were under pressure at 58 for 4, but Brook, promoted to number three, steadied the innings and guided his team home in 19.1 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan had a shaky start after being put in to bat. Saim Ayub was dismissed by the pace of Jofra Archer, while captain Salman Agha fell to the spin of Liam Dawson. Farhan then tried to rebuild the innings, scoring 63 off 45 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes. He shared two crucial partnerships with Babar Azam (25) and Fakhar Zaman (25). However, Pakistan lost wickets in quick succession towards the end and were restricted to 164.

Among England’s bowlers, Liam Dawson impressed with figures of 3 for 24 in four overs. Jofra Archer and Jamie Overton claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Pakistan got off to a perfect start thanks to Shaheen Afridi, who dismissed Phil Salt with the very first ball of the innings. He later removed Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell as well, finishing with 4 for 30 in his four overs. Usman Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz picked up two wickets each.

With four points from two matches, England have qualified for the semi-finals from Group 2. Meanwhile, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will battle for the remaining semi-final spot.