England's batters rewrote the record books on Friday, becoming the first Test-playing nation to score 300 runs in a men's T20 International.
The Three Lions secured a massive 146-run win after a brutal display of power-hitting, led by Phil Salt and Jos Buttler.
Batting first, England put 304 runs for two at Old Trafford in front of what the Proteas batting line-up closed for just 158 for all.
After being put in to bat, England's top order was in a destructive mood from the first over. Phil Salt, who continued his stellar form, smashed an unbeaten 141 from just 60 deliveries, an innings studded with 15 fours and eight sixes. He was supported by captain Jos Buttler, who set a furious pace with 83 runs off 36 balls. The opening pair’s blistering partnership laid the foundation for the record-breaking total. Late contributions from Harry Brook (41 off 21) and Jacob Bethell (26 off 14) ensured England finished on a monumental score.
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In reply, South Africa's run-chase never got going, as they were eventually bowled out for 158 with 3.5 overs to spare, resulting in their biggest-ever defeat in the format by runs.
Salt’s innings set multiple records, becoming the highest individual score by an English batter in T20Is. He also registered the fastest-ever T20I century for England, reaching three figures in just 39 deliveries and eclipsing Liam Livingstone’s previous mark of 42 balls.
The team's total of 304 surpassed their previous highest of 267 against West Indies in 2023, solidifying their place in history as the first full-member side to reach the 300-run milestone.
Reflecting on the milestone, Salt said at the post-match presentation, “It was really good fun. It’s a personal milestone but also the fact we got to 300 and won by such a big margin, you can't ask for much more. It's my home ground, and I knew the powerplay would be important, so I took it on.”
South Africa captain Aiden Markram admitted his side was outclassed. “It was a tough one. 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. We will have to come up with some good plans and take it on again on Sunday.”
With the series now tied at 1-1, the third and final T20I on Sunday will be the series decider.