England captain Harry Brook described the past few months as "probably the hardest of my life" after striking a sublime, record-breaking century to propel his side into the T20 World Cup semi-finals. The 100-run masterclass against Pakistan in Pallekele on Tuesday served as both a tactical triumph and a personal redemption for the 25-year-old, whose first winter as international captain has been overshadowed by off-field controversy.
Brook’s winter was marred by a disappointing Ashes campaign and a high-profile drunken altercation with a nightclub bouncer in Wellington; an incident that has dogged his leadership since his first overseas tour.
"It’s been a lot of stuff behind the scenes, but it’s nice to see some rewards for my hard work."
Harry Brook, England Captain
In a calculated gamble suggested by head coach Brendon McCullum, Brook was promoted to No. 3 for the first time in his 60-match T20I career. The move was designed to maximize the Powerplay and leverage Brook's formidable record against Pakistan, against whom he now averages 62.66 in T20Is.
Baz was the mastermind there. He had the discussion with me this morning about going up the order... partly because of my history against Pakistan, but also to try to maximize the powerplay.
Harry Brook, England Captain
Despite losing three early wickets to a lethal Shaheen Shah Afridi, Brook anchored the chase with a 50-ball hundred, becoming the first captain ever to score a century in a Men’s T20 World Cup.
Captain's first: Brook is the first captain to score a T20 World Cup century, surpassing Chris Gayle’s 98 (2010).
Speed king: His 50-ball ton is the joint-second fastest in T20 World Cup history.
3-format club: Brook becomes only the third Englishman (after Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan) to score a century in all three international formats.
Semi-final streak: England is the first team to reach the semi-finals in five consecutive T20 World Cup editions.
Pak-slayer: Brook has amassed 376 runs in 10 innings against Pakistan at a strike rate of 159.32.
Even his opponents were left in awe. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took 4 for 30 and claimed Brook's wicket with the final ball of his spell, described the effort as the best innings of Brook's life. The two were former teammates at Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, and Afridi noted the captain's growth in preparation and responsibility.
I've never seen a batsman like him. Today he was ready for every ball. The way he took responsibility as a captain... he played a very good innings.
Shaheen Afridi
England’s two-wicket win ensures they remain perfect against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history (4-0) and marks their sixth consecutive T20I victory over the Men in Green. While the team’s overall performance in the tournament has been described as "shoddy" in the field and "tentative" with the bat, Brook’s promotion has provided a blueprint for the knockout stages.
