Photo: Reuters

England’s cricket team produced a historic performance at Old Trafford on Friday, as opener Phil Salt blasted an unbeaten 141 runs from just 60 balls to lead his side to a record-breaking win over South Africa in the second T20 international. England scored a massive 304 runs for the loss of only two wickets, the highest total ever by a full member nation in Twenty20 cricket. They went on to win the match by 146 runs, leveling the three-match series 1-1.

Salt’s Incredible Knock

Phil Salt was the star of the show. Playing on his home ground, he attacked the South African bowlers from the start and never looked back. He reached his century in just 39 balls, the fastest ever by an England player in T20 internationals. He also went past his own previous record of 119 runs, setting a new mark for the highest individual score by an England batsman in this format.

“It was really good fun, a personal milestone but also the fact we got to 300 and won by such a big margin, you cannot ask for much more,” Salt said after the match. “It is my home ground and I knew the powerplay would be important, so I took it on.”

Buttler’s Explosive Start

Before Salt took full control, England captain Jos Buttler set the tone. He smashed 83 runs from only 30 balls, hitting the South African bowlers to all parts of the ground. He fell while trying a sweep against spinner Bjorn Fortuin, but by then England had already posted 100 runs in just six overs—their best ever powerplay score in T20 cricket.

By the 10-over mark, England were 166 for one, the highest score ever at that stage in a T20 international.

Records Broken

The match saw records tumble one after another:

England’s total of 304 for 2 is the highest ever by a full member nation in T20 cricket.

They smashed their previous best of 267 for 2 against the West Indies in 2023.

Salt’s century in 39 balls is the fastest by an England player.

Their 100 runs in the first six overs is a new powerplay record for the team.

South Africa conceded the most runs ever in their T20 history.

The 146-run defeat is South Africa’s heaviest loss in this format.

It was a display of fearless hitting and perfect timing from the English batsmen, combined with poor bowling and fielding from South Africa.

South Africa’s Struggle

Chasing such a huge total, South Africa needed a flying start but instead collapsed under pressure. They were bowled out for 158 in just over 16 overs. England’s bowlers used smart variations in pace and line, making it hard for the South African batsmen to score freely.

“It was a tough one,” South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted. “We started getting it wrong from the toss, that one is on me. Two masterclasses up front from them and when you are put under that kind of pressure, it is hard to pull it back.”

What’s Next

The series is now level at 1-1, with the final match to be played in Nottingham on Sunday. South Africa will need to regroup quickly and find a way to counter England’s aggressive batting, while England will look to continue their fearless approach and seal the series.

Editorial View

England’s performance at Old Trafford was more than just a win—it was a statement. In T20 cricket, where margins are usually small, to score over 300 runs and win by such a massive gap shows total dominance. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler have set a new benchmark for explosive batting.

For South Africa, the defeat raises serious questions about their bowling strategy and ability to handle pressure in high-scoring games. Their captain admitted mistakes, but the real test will be how quickly they bounce back in the decider.

T20 cricket is meant to be fast, thrilling, and unpredictable. This match had all those elements, but in the end, it was England’s night of records, led by the unstoppable Phil Salt.