England etched their name in the record books with a historic batting display against South Africa in the second T20I at Old Trafford, Manchester on September 12, 2025. They became only the third team in international cricket to breach the 300-run mark in T20Is, posting a mammoth 304/2 in their 20 overs. This is the first time a team has crossed 300 in a T20 international between two Test-playing nations. India held the previous best with 297/6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad, 2024. The relentless batting onslaught sent the Manchester crowd into raptures and left the South African bowlers clueless. This victory leveled the series at 1-1, setting up a decisive match at Trent Bridge. England's dominant performance also marked their biggest T20I victory ever and South Africa's heaviest defeat.
Phil Salt's explosive, unbeaten 141 was the cornerstone of England's innings. His record-breaking knock, off just 60 balls, included 15 fours and eight sixes. Salt's masterclass was a blend of aggression and composure, as he tore into both pace and spin, frequently targeting the shorter boundaries at Old Trafford. His remarkable strike rate was well above 200, and he barely allowed South Africa’s bowlers to settle into any rhythm. This innings reaffirmed his role as one of England's most dangerous T20 players. Salt broke his own record of 119 against the West Indies to again become the English batter with the highest individual score in T20Is.
Salt also broke Liam Livingstone's record for the fastest T20I century by an English batter, reaching the milestone in just 39 balls. This was also his fourth T20 hundred for England. Salt shared a blistering opening stand of 126 with Jos Buttler in a mere 7.5 overs.
Jos Buttler contributed a rapid 83 off 30 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes. Buttler’s half-century came in just 18 balls, the third quickest for England. Jacob Bethell (26 off 14) and Harry Brook (41* off 21) added to the carnage, providing valuable support to Salt and ensuring England kept the momentum going. England tallied a T20I-best 166 at the 10-over mark of the innings. While they couldn't quite reach Zimbabwe's record of 344, England's 304/2 now sits third on the all-time list.
South Africa, chasing history, never really looked in the contest. Aiden Markram (41 off 20) and Ryan Rickelton (20 off 10) gave the home side a scare, mirroring England's destructive start by firing 50 inside the first four overs. However, the visitors were eventually bundled out for 158 in the 17th over. Jofra Archer picked up 3 for 25, Sam Curran took 2 for 11, and Will Jacks struck twice at the end.
England's captain, Harry Brook, said he was lost for words and never thought anyone would get 300. He further added that every must-win game leading up to the T20 World Cup is awesome preparation for the team. Phil Salt was delighted with a personal milestone and a dominant win.
