Pacer’s Four-Wicket Haul and Brook’s Century Define Thrilling Super Eights Clash
Former England captain and commentator Michael Atherton has lauded Pakistani fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi as a “very dangerous opponent,” highlighting his pivotal role even in a losing cause during the T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eights. The remarks came after England secured a nail-biting two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Kandy, a match defined by individual brilliance from both sides.
Return to Form for an Iconic Figure
Despite England chasing down a target of 165 with five balls to spare to advance to the semi-finals, Atherton focused on Shaheen’s resurgence. “Wickets up top is what he’s all about,” Atherton stated. “His combination of obviously decent pace, and if he can get that ball swinging, he remains a very dangerous opponent.”
Atherton acknowledged the pacer’s recent struggles, noting, “He’s one of the kind of iconic figures of Pakistan cricket. So it’s good to see him back, taking wickets at the top of the order.” Shaheen’s four-wicket haul, which included the early dismissal of Phil Salt for a golden duck, initially swung momentum in Pakistan’s favor.
Brook’s Heroics Seal England’s Semi-Final Berth
The match, however, was ultimately decided by a masterclass from England’s captain, Harry Brook. Coming to the crease at 0-1, Brook anchored a faltering innings, scoring his maiden T20 international century—the second-fastest in T20 World Cup history and the first by a captain in the tournament.
His 100 lifted England from a precarious 35-3 and was only ended by Shaheen Afridi with the score at 155-6. “He got Pakistan right back in the game,” Atherton said of Shaheen’s effort. “They only needed to get Harry Brook out and that was probably Pakistan’s game. But Brook was just too good for them tonight.”
Mutual Respect in Defeat
In a display of sportsmanship, Shaheen Afridi himself hailed Brook’s innings as a “world-class knock” and approached the English captain for a handshake after his dismissal. “Brook played proper cricketing shots, and he deserved a handshake, so I went to him and shook his hand in appreciation,” the Pakistani speedster said.
The result sees England progress to the final four of the T20 World Cup 2026, while Pakistan’s campaign ends in the Super Eights stage. The match served as a potent reminder of Shaheen Afridi’s threat with the new ball and the match-winning pedigree of players like Harry Brook on the world stage.
