England created history at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Friday, September 12, by scoring their highest-ever total in T20 international cricket. Led by Harry Brook, the team finished on a massive 304/2 in 20 overs, becoming only the second full-member nation to cross the 300-run mark in this format.
England’s explosive batting display
South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram won the toss and chose to bowl, but the decision quickly backfired. England openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt came out all guns blazing and built a fiery 126-run stand in just 7.5 overs. Buttler smashed 83 off only 30 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes, before he was dismissed.
The real show, however, came from Phil Salt. He stayed at the crease till the very end and scored a brilliant 141 from just 60 deliveries, with 15 fours and eight sixes. Salt’s innings not only powered England past 300 but also broke several records along the way.
After Buttler’s wicket, Jacob Bethell added a quick 26 from 14 balls, while Harry Brook supported Salt with an unbeaten 41 from 21 deliveries. Together, they pushed England past the 300-run mark for the first time in their T20I history.
Records broken by England
- England scored 166 runs in the first 10 overs, setting a new world record for most runs at the halfway stage of a T20I innings.
- Their total of 304/2 is now England’s highest in T20 internationals, surpassing their previous best of 267/3 against the West Indies.
- They became only the second full-member nation after Zimbabwe to score above 300 in a T20I. Zimbabwe had smashed 344/4 against Gambia in Nairobi in October 2024.
South Africa’s struggle
South Africa never looked comfortable while chasing such a huge target. Their batters kept losing wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for just 158 in 16.1 overs. England won the match by a massive 146 runs.
Every South African bowler had a tough day, conceding runs at more than 10 per over. Lizaad Williams gave away 62 runs in just three overs, while Bjorn Fortuin was the only bowler to take wickets, dismissing Buttler and Bethell.
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