England produced a record-breaking display at Old Trafford to level the three-match T20I series, defeating South Africa by 146 runs. The night was defined by Phil Salt’s explosive 141 not out, but it was equally backed up by a sharp bowling effort.
Salt’s innings, coming off just 60 balls, was the highest score by an England batter in T20Is. He also registered the fastest T20I hundred for England in just 39 deliveries, breaking Liam Livingstone’s record. Skipper Jos Buttler added fireworks with 83 off 30 balls, as the hosts posted 304 for 2, the highest T20I total by a Full Member nation.
South Africa, chasing 305, were rattled early and never recovered. England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure, with Reece Topley, Jofra Archer, and Adil Rashid striking regularly. Topley’s left-arm pace removed key top-order batters, Archer’s pace troubled the middle order, and Rashid’s spin tightened the screws. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 158 inside 17 overs, slumping to their biggest T20I defeat by runs.
England’s 146-run margin was also their largest-ever T20I win, underlining a complete all-round performance.
With the series now tied at 1-1, the decider will be played in Nottingham on Sunday, where both sides will look to seize momentum ahead of upcoming international assignments.
