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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.