Harry Brook’s Captain’s Knock Rips Off Pakistan As England Qualify For T20 World Cup Semi-Final

ENG vs PAK report [Source: @@yxshh27/x.com]

England kept their Super Eights campaign on a roll, defeating Pakistan by two wickets in a pulsating Group 2 showdown. With this win, the Englishmen have made it two wins in two games and have qualified for the semi-final, becoming the first team to go there.

In a clash filled with twists and drama, England held their nerve in the chase and rode on a captain’s special from Harry Brook to pull off a statement win that has pushed them a step closer to the semifinals while leaving Pakistan with plenty to ponder.

Here’s a look at England vs Pakistan highlights.

Sahibzada Farhan anchors Pakistan’s fighting total

After opting to bat first, Pakistan didn’t exactly get off to a flyer. Early wickets of Saim Ayub and captain Salman Agha meant they had to rebuild rather than go bang from ball one. But Sahibzada Farhan stood tall like a rock in a storm.

His 63 off 45 balls was the glue that held the innings together. Farhan kept the scoreboard ticking with smart cricket, rotated strike, picked his moments, and when the bad balls came, didn’t miss out.

Babar Azam chipped in with a steady 25. Fakhar Zaman played a handy cameo with 25 off 16. Then came Shadab Khan with a late burst. His 23 off just 11 balls gave Pakistan the push they badly needed in the death overs.

Just when it looked like Pakistan might cross 170, England pulled things back brilliantly. Liam Dawson spun a web with 3 wickets for just 24 runs. Jamie Overton and Jofra Archer also struck twice each. England’s death bowling ensured Pakistan finished on 164 instead of running away with it.

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Shaheen Afridi breathes fire in powerplay

If Pakistan needed a dream start with the ball, Shaheen Afridi delivered exactly that by dismissing Phil Salt for a golden duck. In his next two overs, Afridi went on to dismiss Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell too.

The left-arm quick was breathing fire with his swing, pace and accuracy. He had England on the ropes at 35/3. At that point, Pakistan had one foot on England’s throat.

For a moment, it looked like England’s chase would crumble like a house of cards. But just when things were slipping away, Harry Brook stood up.

The England skipper counterattacked like a man on a mission. No panic, no rash shots. Just clean striking and smart cricket. He soon went onto bring up his fifty and kept England in the contest.

Sam Curran provided brief support with a handy 16, but it was Will Jacks who played the perfect partner’s role, scoring a composed 28 and stitching together a crucial partnership with Brook that brought England back firmly into the contest.

With the required rate under control and Pakistan searching for answers, Brook brought up a sensational century off just 50 balls, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes.

Just when England looked set for a comfortable finish, Pakistan struck back with a flurry of late wickets. Brook fell immediately after completing his hundred, Will Jacks followed soon after, and Jamie Overton was stumped, giving Pakistan a faint glimmer of hope.

However, by then the equation had tilted heavily in England’s favour. With only 4 runs needed off 6 balls and two wickets still in hand, Jofra Archer smashed a four to see England home despite the late drama.

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