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Historic Day for England: Harry Brook Becomes First Captain in T20 WC to Score a Century
In what will surely be remembered as one of the most thrilling moments of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, England captain Harry Brook delivered a sensational performance, scoring a century against Pakistan during the Super 8 stage.
This incredible innings didn’t just steer his team to a nail-biting two-wicket win, it also made him the first captain in T20 World Cup history to hit a hundred, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer and keeping England undefeated against Pakistan in this edition of the tournament.
Match Snapshot:
Match: England vs Pakistan — Super 8, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka
Result: England won by 2 wickets, with 5 balls remaining
England’s Score: 166/8 in 19.1 overs
Pakistan’s Score: 164/9 in 20 overs
Brook’s Stats: 100 runs off just 51 balls
Significance: First captain to score a century in T20 WC history; England advance to the semi-finals
Brook’s Knock — A Masterclass in Pressure Situations
Coming in at number three after England lost a couple of early wickets, Brook immediately took control of the innings. The pitch was tricky, with variable bounce and some turn, making it far from easy for any batter.
Yet, Brook navigated the challenges perfectly, combining timing, power, and smart shot selection. His innings featured 10 crisp fours and 4 towering sixes, making it a breathtaking display of skill and composure under pressure.
This was more than just another century. It was historic. By reaching 100, Brook became the first captain ever in Men’s T20 World Cup to achieve this milestone, surpassing the previous highest T20 WC score by a captain — 98 by Chris Gayle of the West Indies in 2010.
With a strike rate nearing 200, this innings also ranks among the fastest centuries in the tournament’s history. Every boundary, every well-placed shot reminded fans of some of the all-time great T20 World Cup performances, making this innings instantly memorable.
Brook’s innings was not only about personal glory. It set the tone for England’s chase, gave confidence to the middle order, and kept Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot.
By the time England reached the target with five balls to spare, it was clear that Brook’s century had defined the match, demonstrating how a captain can lead from the front and inspire the entire team.
England’s Chase – A Tale of Grit and Determination
England’s chase didn’t start off smoothly at all. Pakistan, opting to bat first, managed to put up a challenging total of 164/9, thanks in large part to a gritty 63 from Sahibzada Farhan and solid contributions from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
Their innings was well-constructed, taking advantage of the early pitch conditions, which offered some assistance to the bowlers but also allowed for clever stroke play.
When England came out to bat, they immediately found themselves in a tricky situation. Phil Salt was sent back to the pavilion on the very first ball by a sharp delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Soon after, Jos Buttler, England’s seasoned opener, struggled to find his rhythm and was dismissed cheaply. Before long, England had slipped to 58/4, with Pakistan’s bowlers keeping the pressure on and not giving an inch.
At that moment, it seemed like Pakistan might just defend their total. But Harry Brook had other ideas. Combining calculated aggression with immense focus and determination, he took charge of the innings.
Brook anchored the chase beautifully, rotating strike when needed, punishing loose deliveries, and steadily rebuilding England’s innings. Slowly but surely, he guided the team back into contention, proving why he’s one of the most dependable batsmen under pressure.
By the time Brook got going in full flow, England’s hopes were very much alive again, and the match had completely swung in their favor. His innings was a perfect mix of patience, smart shot selection, and controlled aggression, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
The Captain Leads From the Front
Harry Brook really rose to the occasion, once again proving why he’s regarded as one of the brightest batting talents in world cricket today. Deciding to promote himself up the order and shoulder responsibility at the exact moment his team needed him most was a bold move — and it paid off in spectacular fashion.
As Brook settled in and his innings gathered momentum, key partnerships came into play to steady England’s chase. A crucial stand with Will Jacks helped calm the nerves and stabilize the innings, while Sam Curran’s contributions ensured that the target remained achievable even as the pressure mounted. Every run, every well-timed boundary kept England’s hopes alive and the crowd on edge.
In the end, it was a truly thrilling finish. England crossed the finish line with five balls to spare, turning what had looked like a tense, nervy chase into a dramatic, heart-stopping victory. Brook’s brilliance not only won the match but also secured England’s spot in the semi-finals, giving them a perfect platform to build momentum for the next stage of the tournament.
Perfect Record Against Pakistan Extended
With this thrilling win, England kept their perfect record against Pakistan intact in this T20 World Cup cycle, giving them not just a statistical edge but also a huge psychological and competitive advantage as the tournament moves forward.
The victory also meant that England finished at the top of the Super 8 Group, putting them in a strong and commanding position as serious contenders for the trophy.
For Pakistan, however, the situation has become a lot more challenging. Their hopes of making it to the semi-finals now depend heavily on the outcome of their remaining matches and their net run rate — a tense scenario, especially considering how narrowly they missed out on defeating England.
After coming so close to pulling off an upset, the team will have to regroup, stay focused, and handle immense pressure in the upcoming games if they want to stay in contention.
International Reactions and Praise
The cricketing world reacted almost immediately to Harry Brook’s historic century, and the praise poured in from all corners. Analysts were quick to call it “one of the greatest World Cup innings ever”, highlighting not just the runs but the timing and composure under pressure. Fans from England and all over the globe celebrated Brook’s calm yet aggressive approach, appreciating how he carried the team through a tricky chase.
Even the opposing captain, Salman Agha, was full of praise for Brook, acknowledging that it was an innings of the highest standard — one that completely turned the match in England’s favour.
Of course, it wasn’t just Brook’s bat that won the game. England’s bowlers played a crucial role too. Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, and Jamie Overton delivered disciplined spells, keeping Pakistan’s total in check and ensuring it remained a chaseable target. They applied consistent pressure throughout the innings, making it difficult for Pakistan to capitalize fully on their batting opportunities. Together, the team effort and Brook’s brilliance made this victory truly memorable.
Legacy and Looking Ahead
Harry Brook’s century was much more than just another number on the scorecard — it symbolized a new level of leadership in T20 cricket. In today’s game, captains are expected not only to plan and strategize but also to deliver with the bat when the pressure is at its peak.
In a tournament filled with emerging stars, intense rivalries, and high-stakes competition, Brook’s innings stands out as a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
As the T20 World Cup 2026 moves into the knockout stages, England carry with them a huge amount of momentum, confidence, and self-belief. With Brook leading from the front — capable of producing innings that can completely turn matches — England’s campaign is very much alive, and they are now considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
For Pakistan, the focus now shifts to regrouping, recalibrating strategies, and mentally preparing for the remaining matches. Their tournament so far has been competitive, but this narrow defeat underscores just how fine the margins are at this level of cricket.
Brook’s century against Pakistan — the first ever by a captain in T20 World Cup history — was historic in every sense. It was a perfect mix of grit, timing, power, and smart game awareness, guiding England into the semi-finals while preserving their undefeated record against Pakistan in this World Cup edition. Fans, analysts, and cricket lovers alike will be talking about this innings for a long time.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on Brook and England to see if they can maintain this form all the way to the final, potentially adding another unforgettable chapter to cricket history.
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