England produced a staggering display of power-hitting to level their T20 series against South Africa in Manchester, setting a new national record total in a comprehensive 146-run victory.
The hosts posted an imposing 304 for two, their highest-ever score in the format, built upon a blistering opening partnership of 126 between Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Salt was the chief architect of the carnage, smashing an unbeaten 141 to register England’s highest individual T20 score. The innings featured a remarkable 48 boundaries, with the team hitting 30 fours and 18 sixes.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly as their attack struggled for answers. The visiting coach described the bowling performance as “way off” and “bereft of ideas,” acknowledging a failure to execute plans under pressure.
Faced with a monumental chase, South Africa’s reply began aggressively but quickly unraveled. After appearing to keep pace early, they lost three quick wickets in the powerplay, effectively ending the contest. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 158 in the 17th over.
Salt’s dominant performance, which included reaching his century in just 39 balls, overshadowed even Buttler’s explosive 83 from 30 deliveries. The innings marked Salt’s fourth T20 international hundred, extending his record as England’s most prolific centurion in the format.
The victory margin equals England’s largest in T20 internationals, achieved just days earlier against the same opposition in the ODI format. The series now moves to Trent Bridge for Sunday’s decider, with both teams seeking to claim the trophy after this emphatic English response.
