In a scintillating display of batting at the T20 World Cup Super 12 stage in Pallekele, England captain Harry Brook single-handedly steered his team to a commanding victory over Pakistan, rewriting several records in the process. Among those toppled was a record previously held by Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, highlighting the magnitude of Brook’s achievement.
Brook produced an electrifying 100-run innings off just 51 deliveries, marking the first century by a captain in T20 World Cup history. The previous record of 98 runs was held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle, making Brook the first leader to reach the three-figure mark in the tournament.
Equally noteworthy, this century is the first by any batter against Pakistan in T20 World Cup history. Shakib’s previous record of the highest individual score against Pakistan in the tournament stood at 84 runs from 54 balls, set in Pallekele in 2012. Brook not only surpassed this milestone but did so in remarkable style.
His century also came in just 50 balls, making it the second-fastest century in T20 World Cup history. The record for the fastest century remains with Chris Gayle, who achieved the feat in 47 balls against England in the 2016 edition. Earlier, in 2007, Brendon McCullum had also scored a 50-ball century, underlining the rarity of such rapid scoring in the tournament.
Additionally, Brook became only the third English cricketer to score centuries across all three formats of international cricket, joining the elite company of Jos Buttler and David Malan. In terms of World Cup centuries specifically, he is England’s third batter to reach three figures, after Buttler and Alex Hales.
Key Records in Brook’s Pallekele Innings
| Record | Achievement | Previous Record/Holder |
|---|---|---|
| First T20 WC century by a captain | 100 runs in 51 balls | 98 by Chris Gayle |
| Fastest century against Pakistan in T20 WC | 50 balls | 84 by Shakib Al Hasan (2012) |
| Second-fastest T20 WC century | 50 balls | 47 balls by Chris Gayle (2016) |
| Century across all formats (England) | 3rd player | Jos Buttler, David Malan |
| World Cup century (England) | 3rd player | Jos Buttler, Alex Hales |
Brook’s masterclass not only secured a crucial win for England but also firmly etched his name into T20 World Cup history, setting a benchmark for captains and batters alike. His blend of aggression, timing, and composure demonstrates why he is emerging as one of cricket’s most formidable talents.