Breaking Update: Here’s a clear explanation of the latest developments related to Breaking News:Brook century powers England to T20 WC semi-final | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2026– What Just Happened and why it matters right now.
Defending an under-par score in Kandy, Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan the perfect start as he dismissed the in-form Phil Salt off the first ball of the innings.
Dropped from the playing XI in the previous match, Afridi marked his return with a delivery that angled across the right-handed Salt, who nicked it to wicket-keeper Usman Khan. Afridi sent back Jos Buttler back in similar fashion, and then had Jacob Bethell miscuing a shot square of the wicket that was caught superbly by Farhan.
England ended powerplay on 53/3. Like Afridi, mystery spinner Usman Tariq struck on the first ball, as he had Tom Banton caught behind.
After the early fall of wickets, Brook, who was promoted to No 3 in the line-up, steadied the innings, along with Sam Curran, with a 45-run partnership. While he ran hard between the wickets, Brook also chose his moments well, punishing every loose ball that came his way. It was just the kind of common sense batting England needed to dig out of trouble.
Brook’s 52-run partnership with Will Jacks that took the game away from Pakistan. The England captain brought up his first T20I hundred in style, punching a six over cover and following it up with a four through mid-off.
When Brook was dismissed, England were already on brink of victory, at 155/6. But they lost three wickets in the space of six runs to inject some late drama into the match. Going into the last over, England needed three runs, with two wickets in hand. Archer avoided any more delay, as he pulled through mid-wicket for a four.
Afridi was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, finishing with 4/30 in four overs while Tariq and Mohammad Nawaz claimed two wickets each.