Pakistan paceman Shaheen Shah Afridi admitted on Tuesday that his team’s chances of reaching the T20 World Cup semi-finals are now largely beyond their control, following a stunning innings by England captain Harry Brook that secured a two-wicket win over Pakistan.

Brook produced a “world-class knock,” according to Afridi, reaching his maiden T20 international hundred off just 50 balls with four sixes and 10 fours.

The innings took England past Pakistan’s 165-run target with five balls remaining, leaving the hosts with only slim hopes of advancing from the Super Eight stage.

Afridi had earlier jolted England’s top order, claiming three early wickets to reduce the visitors to 35-3 in the powerplay, dismissing Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, and Jacob Bethell. But Brook, promoted to number three after a morning conversation with coach Brendon McCullum, steadied the innings. He added 45 runs with Sam Curran for the fifth wicket and 52 with Will Jacks for the sixth, guiding England to victory.

“It wasn’t an easy pitch to bat on, but he took the game away from us,” Afridi told reporters. “In my opinion, this will be the best innings of his life.” Brook’s 50-ball century was the second fastest in T20 World Cup history and the first ever by a team captain, surpassed only by Chris Gayle, who reached three figures in 47 balls against England in 2016.

Afridi was at the receiving end of Brook’s aggressive finishing, conceding a six and a four as the England captain raced from 90 to 100 in two deliveries. Yet, demonstrating sportsmanship, Afridi immediately went to congratulate Brook after dismissing him with a yorker on the next ball.

“Brook played proper cricketing shots and he deserved a handshake,” Afridi said.

With just one point from two Super Eight matches, Pakistan now faces a must-win game against Sri Lanka on Saturday and must rely on other results to have any hope of reaching the semi-finals.

“We know our fate is not in our hands,” Afridi admitted. “But we need to beat Sri Lanka and then hope other results go our way. It’s not ideal, but it’s like this.”