England captain Harry Brook revealed how head coach Brendon McCullum’s masterplan helped them qualify for the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2026. England beat Pakistan by two wickets in their second Super 8 fixture at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, successfully chasing down 165 in 19.1 overs.
Brook led his team from the front, scoring his maiden T20I hundred off just 50 balls on a wicket that offered good assistance to the spinners. The England skipper pressed on the accelerator despite his side losing three wickets in the powerplay, ensuring the pressure did not affect the remaining batters as he took on the bowlers with authority.
ENG vs PAK T20 WORLD CUP 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD
Brook, who is accustomed to batting at four or five, promoted himself to number three in place of Jacob Bethell — a move that paid immediate dividends as he became the first captain to score a century in T20 World Cup history. Following his match-winning innings, Brook was asked who had taken the decision to move him up to No. 3. The England skipper revealed that it was McCullum’s call.
“It was all Baz. He came to me this morning and said, ‘Look, we might change it up and put you at three today.’ We’ve spoken about adapting and changing things throughout this competition, and just having the bravery to do that today was awesome. I’m getting better at number three. I haven’t batted there much, but it’s nice to get out and face as many balls as possible,” said Brook during the post-match presentation.
A look at the records Brook registered
Brook also became only the third England batter to score a century in all three formats of the game, after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan. His 50-ball hundred is the joint-second-fastest in T20 World Cup history, alongside Chris Gayle.
Brook walked to the crease after England lost Philip Salt for a golden duck off the very first ball and stitched crucial partnerships with Sam Curran — 45 off 28 balls — and Will Jacks — 52 off 31 balls — to bring his team to the brink of a victory.
The England skipper struck ten fours and four sixes during his belligerent innings and was deservedly adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
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