A Night to Remember at Old Trafford
Phil Salt produced one of the greatest T20 innings by an England batter, smashing a breathtaking 141 not out off 60 balls as England thrashed South Africa by 146 runs at Old Trafford.
England scored 304/2, the first-ever 300-plus total in T20 internationals, before bowling South Africa out for 158. The win levelled the three-match series 1-1.
Salt Leads the Charge
The night belonged to Salt. From the moment he walked in, he played with fearless intent, striking cleanly to every corner of the ground. His innings was full of power and timing, with boundaries flowing almost at will.
Salt’s hundred came at lightning pace, the fastest ever by an England player in T20 internationals. He ended unbeaten on 141 from 60 balls, scoring at a strike rate of 235 — an innings that secured his place in the record books.
Buttler’s Brutal Knock
While Salt stole the show, captain Jos Buttler also shone with a blazing 83 off 30 balls at a strike rate of 276. Together, they completely changed the game and left South Africa with no answers.
Their partnership formed the backbone of England’s record-breaking total, with runs coming at an extraordinary pace.
Records Fall Like Dominoes
England’s batting wasn’t just about big scores — it was history in the making:
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First time crossing 300 in a T20 international.
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100 runs inside the Powerplay, Their Best Start Ever.
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At 10 overs, they were already 166/1.
South Africa Out of Answers
Chasing 305 was always out of reach. They kept losing wickets and were bowled out for 158 in 16.1 overs. No batter managed to settle in, and the scoreboard pressure never eased.
England’s bowlers kept things tight and ensured the dominance with the bat was backed up in the field.
Decider Awaits
This emphatic win sets up a series decider in the third and final T20. With Salt in red-hot form and England playing with such freedom, South Africa will need something extraordinary to turn the series their way.
