England captain Harry Brook has revealed how head coach Brendon McCullum’s master plan helped them qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA T20 World Cup 2026. England beat Pakistan by two wickets in their second Super 8 match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium as they were bowled out for 165 in 19.1 overs.
Brook led his team from the front and scored his first T20I hundred off just 50 balls for a wicket that provided good help to the spinners. The England captain stepped on the gas despite his side losing three wickets in the powerplay, ensuring the pressure did not affect the remaining batsmen as he faced the bowlers with authority.
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Brook, who is used to batting at four or five, was promoted to number three in place of Jacob Bethell – a move that paid off immediately as he became the first captain to score a century in T20 World Cup history. After his game-winning inning, Brook was asked who made the decision to move him to 3rd. The England captain revealed that it was McCullum’s call.
“It was all Baz. He came to me this morning and said, ‘Look, we can change it and put you at three today.’ During this competition we talked about adapting and changing things and just having the courage to do that today was amazing. I’m getting better at number three. I didn’t bat a lot out there, but it’s nice to get out there and face as many balls as possible,” Brook said during the post-match presentation.
A look at the records that Brook has registered
Brook also became only the third English batsman to score a century in all three formats of the gameafter Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan. His hundred in 50 balls is joint second fastest in T20 World Cup history with Chris Gayle.
Brook went to the crease after England lost Philip Salt for a golden duck on the very first ball and forged vital partnerships with Sam Curran – 45 off 28 balls – and Will Jacks – 52 off 31 balls – to bring his team to the brink of victory.
The England skipper hit ten fours and four sixes during his aggressive innings and was deservedly named man of the match for his match-winning knock.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
February 24, 2026
