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Phil Salt and Harry Brook’s explosive partnership led England to a resounding 65-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20, putting them 1-0 up in the series with one match remaining. The duo combined for 129 runs in just 69 balls, propelling England to an imposing total of 236-4, the highest-ever score at Christchurch's Hagley Oval in T20 internationals. Fans watching on QuickTV Sports Hub were treated to a masterclass in batting as England dominated both with the bat and in the field, setting themselves up for a potential series win.

Salt & Brook: England’s Explosive Opening Duo

Phil Salt continued his impressive form, following up his recent performances against Ireland and South Africa with an outstanding 85 from 56 balls. His shot selection was on point, particularly when targeting the covers and the leg side. However, it was Harry Brook who made the biggest impact, smashing 78 runs from just 35 balls, including five sixes. Brook's hitting was sensational, with clean strikes over mid-wicket and perfect timing against both spin and pace.

QuickTV Sports Hub viewers got a front-row seat to Brook's destructive batting, which came at the expense of New Zealand's bowlers and fielders. Brook made the most of a dropped chance by Jimmy Neesham and capitalized on every opportunity to send the ball flying over the boundary. His captaincy was also commendable as he led from the front, keeping the pressure on New Zealand throughout the innings.

A Daunting Total and a Challenging Chase for New Zealand

England’s 236-4 was the highest score ever set at Hagley Oval in T20 internationals, putting New Zealand in a difficult position from the start. Though New Zealand’s top order showed some resilience with a solid 69-run partnership between Tim Seifert and Mark Chapman, the chase was always going to be a tough ask. England’s bowlers, led by the experienced Adil Rashid, had New Zealand under control.

Rashid was the standout performer with the ball, taking 4-32 and playing a crucial role in dismantling New Zealand's chase. His brilliant catch to dismiss Seifert, coupled with his wicket-taking spell, proved decisive. As wickets tumbled, QuickTV Sports Hub viewers could see New Zealand’s hopes of a victory slip away, and they were eventually bowled out for 171 in 18 overs.

England's Clinical Fielding and Bowling Execution

Though the batting display was the highlight of the match, England’s fielding and bowling were equally exceptional. The team held onto 10 catches, eight of which were from deep fielding positions, showcasing their excellent discipline in the field. Even though Rashid missed a tough caught-and-bowled opportunity, he made up for it with four wickets, using the conditions to full advantage.

Brydon Carse also impressed with the ball, taking 2-27, including a key breakthrough in dismissing Tim Robinson on the first ball of his spell. England's bowlers were unrelenting in their pressure, and with Jofra Archer likely to feature in their World Cup squad, England's pace attack looks even more formidable. Their disciplined approach ensured they stayed on top of the game throughout, leaving New Zealand with no room for a comeback.

Looking to the Third T20 in Auckland

With a 1-0 series lead, England is in a strong position to seal the series in the third T20 in Auckland. Their batting lineup is firing on all cylinders, with Salt and Brook both in excellent form. Fans can continue to follow the action on QuickTV Sports Hub, which will provide exclusive updates, highlights, and expert analysis.

New Zealand will need to address their fielding mistakes and regroup before the final match. While their batting has shown promise, they’ll need to step up their game in the field and with the ball to challenge England’s formidable squad. With the T20 World Cup fast approaching, both teams will want to finish strong as they prepare for the global competition.

QuickTV Sports Hub will be there every step of the way, offering fans real-time updates and coverage of this thrilling series. As England looks to close out the series and New Zealand aims for a comeback, the stage is set for a captivating third T20 in Auckland.

Phil Salt delivered an explosive performance at Old Trafford, smashing an unbeaten 141 off just 60 balls to steer England to a sensational 146-run victory over South Africa in the second T20 International. Paired with a fiery 83 from Jos Buttler in only 30 deliveries, England posted a staggering 304-2 — the highest T20 total ever recorded by a full-member nation.

Record-Breaking Barrage at Old Trafford

From the moment England took to the crease, fireworks were guaranteed. Salt’s unbeaten 141 rewrote the record for the highest individual T20 score for an English batsman, while Buttler’s blistering 83 provided the perfect launchpad. The duo helped England breach the 300-run barrier — a first for any Test-playing nation in T20s. The team smashed records at every turn, posting a powerplay score of 100 in six overs and touching 166-1 by the 10-over mark.

South Africa’s bowling attack was under siege. Unable to contain the surge of boundaries and sixes, they conceded 304 and were eventually bowled out for 158 in just 16.1 overs. It stands as South Africa's heaviest defeat in T20 cricket — a night where England’s firepower proved too much to handle.

Salt's Stellar, Buttler's Blitz

Phil Salt reached his century in a stunning 39 balls, eclipsing Liam Livingstone’s previous English record. His innings was a masterclass in aggression, timing, and precision. Meanwhile, Buttler’s cameo of 83 runs off 30 balls shifted the momentum early — a short yet explosive knock that laid the foundation for England’s onslaught.

These two innings came not just from form, but from the daring mindset of modern T20 philosophy. England didn’t just chase records — they obliterated them.

Team Milestones and Historical Feats

The 304-2 total marked England's highest ever T20I score and is among the tallest in men’s cricket history. As a team, England delivered their strongest powerplay, fastest 10-over score, and highest team total against a full-member nation. South Africa, in contrast, suffered a crushing loss that is now etched into all-time records for both teams.

The margin of 146 runs reflects a dominant performance across batting and bowling, capturing a spirit of precision, aggression, and execution from an English side keen to make a statement.

South Africa Overwhelmed, Series Evened

South Africa, despite their best intentions, found no answer to England’s blistering tempo. Every attempt to stem the flow of runs was met with bat speed, controlled aggression, or innovative shot-making. Their reply never gathered pace, and despite brief resistance, they crumbled under the mounting pressure.

Captain Aiden Markram acknowledged that decisions from the toss and early execution set them back. With the series tied 1-1, both sides head to Nottingham for the decider. England carries immense confidence, while South Africa must regroup and rethink if they’re to get back in contention.

Final Notes

Old Trafford witnessed a T20 exhibition that will be talked about for years. England not only flexed their muscle but also demonstrated how T20 cricket has evolved — where records are made to be shattered, and individual brilliance can lead to team triumphs on an epic scale.

PHIL SALT (87*RUNS IN 47 BALLS) SHOWED NO MERCY TO THE WEST INDIES WHILE CHASING A TARGET OF 181.

𝑭𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔:

𝑰𝑵𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑴

𝑭𝑨𝑪𝑬𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲