Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi opened up about shaking hands with England captain Harry Brook during the recent Super Eight match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The left-arm fast bowler said that Brook deserves respect for playing world-class innings and added that they share a very good friendship.
Brook produced a match-winning performance in Pallekele on Tuesday, 24 February. The right-handed batsman scored his maiden T20I century, scoring 100 off 51 balls which included 10 fours and four sixes. England secured a place in the semi-finals by achieving the target of 165 runs with two wickets and five balls remaining.
Shaheen Afridi shook hands with Harry Brook after taking his wicket.
Shaheen Afridi bowled an excellent spell against England but still had to face defeat. He took four wickets for 30 runs in four overs and dismissed Harry Brook with a yorker at the end of the innings.
After taking the wicket of Brook, Afridi moved forward and shook hands with the opposition batsman in appreciation. The gesture shows respect for the world-class innings of a former PSL teammate.
Brook had earlier promoted himself up the batting order and chased England’s target with confidence. England lost three wickets inside the first five overs, but they were never behind the required pace.
England have now qualified from Group 2. New Zealand, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are fighting for the second position. Pakistan will have to beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match and also hope that New Zealand loses their remaining matches.
Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on Harry Brooke handshake drama
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shaheen Afridi said that Harry Brook deserves praise for his world-class innings. Afridi said that he could only praise Brook’s batting at the crease.
Shaheen Afridi said, “He deserved it because he played world-class innings. I think he is one of the best. Harry and I have a great friendship; we played together for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL. When someone plays an innings like that, you have to appreciate them.”
He said, “I have never seen a batsman like him. He was properly prepared to hit every ball. He was well prepared for us.”
Harry Brook becomes the first captain to score a century in T20 World Cup history
Harry Brook created history by becoming the first captain to score a century in a T20 World Cup match. He overtook the previous best performance by a captain, which was Chris Gayle’s 98 in the 2010 edition.
Brook completed his century in just 50 balls, which is the joint second fastest century in T20 World Cup history. Gayle faced 50 balls to score a century against South Africa in 2007. He still holds the record for the fastest century with a century off 47 balls against England in the 2016 tournament.
Brook became the third England batsman to score a century in all three formats. This was also the fourth century scored while chasing in a T20 World Cup match. England will be hoping that the captain will perform well in the semi-finals.
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