England crushed South Africa by 146 runs at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Friday, September 12, 2025, to level the three-match T20I series 1-1. The victory was not just big in margin, but also historic as England became the first team among full member nations to cross the 300-run mark in a T20 International.
England’s explosive start
South Africa won the toss and chose to field first, but the decision backfired almost instantly. England openers Jos Buttler and Phil Salt tore apart the Proteas bowling attack, adding 126 runs in only 7.5 overs.
Buttler hammered 83 from just 30 balls, hitting eight boundaries and seven sixes. Salt, however, stole the show with a breathtaking unbeaten 141 off 60 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and eight sixes. Their fearless batting left South Africa with no answers.
Record-breaking total of 304-2
By the end of 20 overs, England had piled up 304 runs for the loss of only two wickets. This became their highest-ever T20I score and the third-highest overall in international cricket. More importantly, it was the first time a team crossed 300 in a T20I involving full member nations.
South Africa’s disappointing reply
Chasing such a huge score, South Africa’s innings fell apart quickly. They could only manage 158 runs in 16.1 overs. Jofra Archer impressed with 3 wickets for 25 runs, while Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, and Will Jacks picked up two each. The result gave England their biggest-ever win in T20Is and handed South Africa their heaviest defeat by runs in the format.
Other highest T20I totals among full member nations
England’s 304-2 now tops the chart of the highest T20I totals among major cricketing nations. Here are the next best four:
- 297-6: India vs Bangladesh, Hyderabad, October 2024
- 283-1: India vs South Africa, Johannesburg, November 2024
- 278-3: Afghanistan vs Ireland, Dehradun, February 2019
- 267-3: England vs West Indies, Tarouba, December 2023
What this record means
This historic achievement shows how much T20 cricket has evolved, with batters playing more aggressively and fearlessly. England’s innings also highlights how small mistakes in strategy, like South Africa’s choice to bowl first, can completely shift the momentum in modern cricket.
Phil Salt’s knock of 141* also created a new record for the highest individual score by an England batter in T20Is, surpassing his previous best of 119 against the West Indies.
Also Read: England Smashes 300+ Runs For The First Time In T20I Cricket
