Harry Brook scored a blistering century as England secured a dominant 49-run victory over Pakistan in the first T20 international at The Oval on Friday evening. The 23-year-old Yorkshire batsman smashed 111 runs off just 56 balls, including eight sixes and eight fours, as England posted an imposing total of 225-5 after being put in to bat first. Brook’s rapid century, the fastest by an England player in T20 internationals, laid the foundation for England’s commanding win in the three-match series opener. The hosts’ bowlers then restricted Pakistan to 176-6 in their 20 overs, with Adil Rashid taking 2-29 and Mark Wood 2-35. The second match of the series will be played at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Harry Brook Stars as England Claims T20 Victory Over Pakistan
England secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 international at The Oval on Thursday evening. Harry Brook emerged as the standout performer, scoring a rapid century to guide England home with just two balls to spare.
Brook’s blistering knock of 111 not out off just 56 balls included 12 fours and five sixes, showcasing his aggressive intent. His innings set a new record for the fastest T20 century by an England player, surpassing the previous mark held by Jos Buttler.
Pakistan posted a competitive total of 200-5 after being put into bat, with Mohammad Rizwan top-scoring with 71 not out. England’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing both openers within the first five overs.
Brook joined the action in the sixth over and immediately took control, finding support from Liam Livingstone, who contributed a quickfire 42 off 22 balls. The pair’s partnership of 110 runs off just 53 balls turned the tide in England’s favour.
Despite a late wobble that saw England lose three wickets in quick succession, Brook remained composed, steering his side to victory. England now leads the three-match series 1-0, with the second T20 scheduled for Sunday at Edgbaston.
England's Harry Brook Scores Century in Thrilling T20 Win
England’s Harry Brook scored a blistering century to lead his side to a thrilling seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 international at The Oval. The 23-year-old Yorkshire batsman smashed 111 runs off just 56 balls, including eight sixes and eight fours, to set the tone for England’s dominant chase of 200.
Brook’s innings was the fastest century by an England batsman in T20 internationals, surpassing the previous record held by Alex Hales. His aggressive approach from the start put Pakistan’s bowlers on the back foot, with the England opener reaching his fifty off just 23 deliveries.
The victory was England’s first in a T20 international since the 2022 T20 World Cup. Captain Jos Buttler praised Brook’s performance, stating, “Harry played an outstanding innings. His intent was fantastic, and he set the platform for the rest of the innings.”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged England’s superior performance. “England batted really well,” he said. “Brook was outstanding, and we couldn’t contain him. We need to improve in all departments.”
The second T20 international will take place at Headingley on Sunday. England will look to build on their momentum, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back from their opening defeat.
Pakistan Faces Defeat as Harry Brook Shines for England
England’s Harry Brook produced a stunning century to lead his side to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 International at the National Stadium in Karachi. Brook’s blistering knock of 102 runs off just 56 balls left Pakistan facing an uphill battle in the three-match series.
The 23-year-old Yorkshire batsman dominated the Pakistani bowling attack, striking 13 fours and three sixes in his innings. His century came off 51 deliveries, the fastest by an England batsman in T20 Internationals. Brook’s partnership with captain Jos Buttler, who contributed 41 runs, was pivotal in England’s successful chase of 193 runs.
Pakistan, batting first, posted a competitive total of 192 for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. Opener Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 68 runs, while Shaheen Afridi contributed a quickfire 30 not out off just 11 balls. However, their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Brook’s masterclass.
England’s victory was set up by an impressive bowling performance, with Reece Topley and Chris Jordan both taking two wickets each. The win marks England’s first T20 International victory in Pakistan, with the second match of the series scheduled for Wednesday in Lahore.
England Dominates Pakistan in T20 with Harry Brook's Century
England secured a dominant victory over Pakistan in the first T20 international at The Oval, with Harry Brook playing a pivotal role. The 23-year-old Yorkshire batsman scored a century off just 49 balls, setting the tone for England’s impressive total of 221-6.
Brook’s innings included nine fours and five sixes, demonstrating his aggressive intent from the start. His partnership with captain Jos Buttler, who scored 48 off 26 balls, was crucial in accelerating England’s run rate.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the England batsmen, with Shaheen Afridi conceding 56 runs from his four overs. Despite a late fightback from Pakistan’s bowlers, England’s total proved too challenging.
In response, Pakistan could only manage 164-5, falling well short of England’s target. The home side’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout, with Adil Rashid taking two wickets for just 20 runs in his four overs.
England’s victory sets them up well for the remainder of the three-match series. Brook’s century has drawn praise from former England captain Michael Atherton, who described the innings as “a masterclass in T20 batting.”
Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged the deficit in runs but remained optimistic about his team’s chances in the remaining matches. The second T20 international is scheduled for Wednesday at Edgbaston.
Harry Brook's Century Powers England to T20 Triumph Over Pakistan
Harry Brook smashed an unbeaten 111 off 56 balls as England cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20 international at The Oval. The 23-year-old Yorkshire batter’s century, his second in T20 internationals, powered England to 200-3 in 18.3 overs, chasing Pakistan’s 199-7.
Brook’s innings included 12 fours and five sixes, with his first T20 international century coming off 50 balls. His partnership with captain Jos Buttler (38 not out) added 100 runs in just 63 balls to seal England’s victory.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first, with their innings featuring half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan (69) and Iftikhar Ahmed (52 not out). However, England’s bowlers restricted Pakistan to 199-7, with Adil Rashid taking 3-33.
Brook’s century was the highlight of England’s successful chase, with the opener reaching his milestone with a six off Shaheen Afridi. His innings set a new record for the highest individual score by an England batter in a successful T20 international chase.
England’s victory marks their first win in the three-match series, with the second T20 international scheduled for Thursday at Edgbaston. The hosts will look to carry momentum into the next match, building on Brook’s impressive form.
England’s dominant performance in the third T20 international against Pakistan has set the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the series. With Harry Brook’s century and a strong bowling display, the hosts have taken a 2-1 lead, putting them in a commanding position ahead of the final match at Edgbaston. The visitors will need to regroup and deliver a much-improved performance to level the series. Meanwhile, England will be looking to build on this momentum and secure a clean sweep, further cementing their status as one of the top T20 sides in the world. The final match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
