Shaheen Afridi described Harry Brook’s hundred as a “world-class knock” acknowledging how it powered England into the T20 World Cup semifinals while leaving Pakistan dependent on other results for qualification.
Harry Brook led England’s run chase he smashing a brilliant century to become the first captain in T20 World Cup history to score a hundred in the tournament.
Brook brought up his maiden T20I century in just 50 balls, hitting 10 fours and four sixes. His composed yet aggressive innings guided England to score 166 and sealing a dramatic two-wicket victory with five balls remaining.
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Earlier Afridi had put England under pressure by removing three top-order batters in quick wickets. However, Brook responded with a true captain’s performance and anchoring the innings and steering his side to a memorable win.
Shaheen Afridi said,
“In my opinion this will be the best innings of his Cricket life. It wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on, but he took the game away from us.”
“He played proper cricketing shots and deserved a handshake, So I went to him and shook his hand for appreciation.”
“We all know our fate is not in our hands, But we need to beat Sri Lanka in our last match and then hope other results go our way. It is not ideal, but it is what it is.”
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Promoted to No.3 following a morning discussion with head coach Brendon McCullum, Brook walked out early after Shaheen Afridi removed Phil Salt at very first ball. The Pakistan bowlers struck twice more, dismissing Jos Buttler and Jacob Bethell to reduce England to 35 for three inside the PowerPlay.
Brook rebuild the innings with crucial fifth wicket partnerships with Sam Curran before stitching together a 52-run stand for the sixth wicket alongside Will Jacks.
His century became the second-fastest in ICC T20 World Cup history and it is first ever by a captain. Chris Gayle only made 47-ball hundred against England in 2016 came quicker.
Afridi struck back immediately and delivering a pinpoint yorker to bowl him the very next ball. Rather than erupting in celebration, the Pakistan quick showed admirable sportsmanship.
Pakistan, had just one point from two Super Eight fixtures and face a must-win situation against Sri Lanka in their final match. Even with a victory, their hopes of reaching the semifinals will depend on other results going in their favor.
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