England wrote history in the second T20I against South Africa at Old Trafford on Friday when they became the first team to achieve a 300+ score against a Test-playing nation in a T20 match. Phil Salt’s spectacular 141 not out propelled England to an enormous 304/2 in 20 overs as the home side thrashed South Africa by 146 runs to tie the three-match series at 1-1.
England v South Africa 2nd T20I: Phil Salt Smashes Records With Fastest Century
Salt’s 60-ball score of 15 fours and eight sixes was not just the top England batsman T20I score, but also the quickest century by an England player in any format. His 39-ball century broke Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball record against Pakistan in 2021. Salt’s earlier T20 best, 119 against the West Indies in 2023, had been part of England’s previous highest T20 score of 267-3.
England vs South Africa 2nd T20I: Scorching Partnerships Establish the Foundation
Opening with Jos Buttler, Salt contributed 126 runs off 7.5 overs for the opening stand. Buttler contributed 83 from 30 deliveries featuring eight fours and seven sixes before holing out from Bjorn Fortuin. England captain Harry Brook contributed an unbeaten 41 as the home team reached a record 304. The record score surpassed India’s 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024 as the highest T20 score between two Test-playing countries.
England vs South Africa 2nd T20I: South Africa Fumble Under Pressure
Pursuing a massive 305, South Africa never came back from that, being bowled out for 158 in less than 17 overs. Aiden Markram’s 41 was the highest score for the Proteas, while Jofra Archer took the lead for England in the bowling department with 3-25 in three overs. Kagiso Rabada, allowing 70 runs in four overs, was one of the costliest bowlers in the match. Markram accepted the game went against his team right from the toss itself.
England vs South Africa 2nd T20I: Historic Context and Series Outlook
Salt’s innings was England’s fourth T20 century, a record not shared by any other English batsman in a single campaign. Only Nepal and Zimbabwe have achieved more against non-Test teams in international T20 cricket. The record-breaking match paves the way for an exciting series finale at Trent Bridge on Sunday, where England will be looking to build on their momentum and South Africa seeking redemption.
Salt commented on the performance: “That was really good fun. A personal milestone but the fact we got 300 and won by such a big margin, I can’t have asked for much more.” Brook added: “Pretty lost for words. The way Salt and Buttler started off was just phenomenal. We never thought anyone would get 300.”
