Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on Harry Brook handshake drama in T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi opened up about his handshake with England skipper Harry Brook during the recent Super Eight match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The left-arm pacer said that Brook deserved respect for playing a world-class innings and added that they share a very good friendship.

Brook produced a match-winning performance in Pallekele on Tuesday, February 24. The right-handed batter scored his maiden T20I century, smashing 100 off 51 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. England chased down the 165-run target with two wickets and five balls remaining, sealing a semi-final berth.

Shaheen Afridi Shakes Hands With Harry Brook After Taking His Wicket

Shaheen Afridi delivered an excellent spell against England but still ended on the losing side. He finished with figures of four for 30 from four overs and dismissed Harry Brook with a yorker late in the innings.

After taking Brook’s wicket, Afridi walked up and shook his hand in appreciation of an opposition batter. The gesture showed respect for a world-class knock by a former PSL teammate.

Brook had earlier promoted himself up the batting order and led England’s chase with confidence. England lost three wickets inside the first five overs, but they never fell behind the required rate.

England have now qualified from Group 2. New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are fighting for the second spot. Pakistan must beat Sri Lanka in their final Super Eight match and also hope New Zealand lose their remaining game.

Shaheen Afridi Breaks Silence on Harry Brook Handshake Drama

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Speaking at the post-match press conference, Shaheen Afridi said that Harry Brook deserved appreciation for a world-class innings. Afridi added that he could only admire Brook’s batting at the crease.

“He deserved it because he played a world-class innings. I think he’s one of the best. Harry and I have a very good friendship as well; we played together in the PSL for Lahore Qalandars. When anyone plays an innings like that, you should appreciate them,” Shaheen Afridi said.

“I’ve never seen a batsman like him. He was properly ready for every ball to hit it. He was well prepared for us,” he added.

Harry Brook Becomes First Captain to Score a Hundred 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 surpassed the previous best by a captain, which was Chris Gayle’s 98 in the 2010 edition.

Brook reached his century in just 50 balls, the joint-second fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history. Gayle had also taken 50 balls for his ton against South Africa in 2007. He still holds the fastest record with a 47-ball hundred against England in the 2016 tournament.

Brook became only the third England batter to score hundreds in all three formats. It was also just the fourth century scored while chasing in a T20 World Cup match. England will be hoping the skipper delivers in the semi-finals.

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