England's T20 World Cup campaign has been given a massive boost after a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Pallekele. The match, which saw England chasing 165, was won in the 19th over, thanks in large part to a stunning century from captain Harry Brook. Brook's innings, which came off just 51 balls, included 10 fours and four sixes, and was his first T20 international century.
The win sets up a semifinal berth for England, who will now face either India or South Africa in the last four. The match was a nail-biter, with England struggling at 58-4 at one point, but Brook's innings turned the tide in their favor. Jos Buttler, who has been struggling for form, was out for just three, while Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton also fell cheaply.
However, Brook's promotion to number three proved to be a masterstroke, as he played the situation perfectly, going up and down the gears as wickets fell around him. His century was the second by an English player in a T20 World Cup chase, following Alex Hales' 116 against Sri Lanka in 2014.
In other news, Italian biathlete Tommaso Giacomel has undergone successful minor heart surgery after being forced to withdraw from the Winter Olympic 15km mass start event. Giacomel, who won mixed relay silver at the Milan-Cortina Games, had to stop during the 15km race due to breathing and movement problems. He was found to have an electrical conduction anomaly in one of his heart atria and underwent minor ablation surgery.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has defended teammate Vinicius Junior, saying he did "nothing wrong" while celebrating. The Brazilian winger has been in the news for his celebrations, but Courtois believes he has been unfairly targeted.
In the world of cricket, Brook's century has been hailed as "a truly extraordinary innings" by fans and pundits alike. His ability to perform under pressure has been a hallmark of his career, and this innings will go down as one of the best in T20 World Cup history.
The win over Pakistan has given England a massive boost ahead of the semifinals, and they will be looking to carry this momentum forward. With Brook in this kind of form, they will be a tough team to beat.
Sources:
- England through to semis after thrilling win over Pakistan (BBC)
- Stunning Brook century leads England into semis (BBC)
- Giacomel has heart surgery after Olympics withdrawal (BBC)
- 'A truly extraordinary innings' - Brook makes first T20 international century (BBC)
- Courtois defends Vinicius Jr: 'He didn't do anything wrong' (BBC)