England Thrash South Africa by 146 Runs in Record-Breaking 2nd T20I at Old Trafford
England produced a historic performance at Old Trafford, Manchester, smashing 304/2 in their 20 overs — the highest-ever total in men’s T20 internationals. Powered by Phil Salt’s unbeaten 141 off 60 balls, England demolished South Africa by 146 runs to level the three-match series 1-1.
With this emphatic victory, the series heads into a blockbuster decider at Trent Bridge on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Toss & Match Overview
- Toss: South Africa won and opted to bowl first
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Result: England won by 146 runs
- Series Status: Level 1-1
Full Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 304/2 | 20.0 ov | Phil Salt 141* (60), Jos Buttler 83 (30) |
| South Africa | 158 all out | 16.1 ov | Hendricks 32, Jofra Archer 3/27 |
Player of the Match: Phil Salt – 141* (60), England’s highest-ever individual T20I score.
Match Highlights
England Batting Brilliance
- Phil Salt: 141* (60) – fearless hitting with 10 sixes and 15 fours.
- Jos Buttler: 83 (30) – explosive knock at 276 strike rate.
- Total: 304/2 – highest T20I score in history.
South Africa Bowling Struggles
- Rabada & Nortje leaked runs heavily.
- Extras & poor lengths made life easier for England’s top order.
- No bowler managed to contain Salt and Buttler’s assault.
England Bowling Attack
- Jofra Archer: 3 wickets, fiery pace, early breakthroughs.
- Sam Curran: 2 wickets, controlled the middle overs.
- Dawson, Jacks, Rashid: all contributed with key dismissals.
South Africa’s Batting Collapse
- Started with intent but lacked partnerships.
- Hendricks fought briefly with 32 runs.
- Middle-order folded under pressure of the monumental chase.
Match Analysis
England’s Dominant Batting
Phil Salt played one of the greatest T20I innings ever by an England batter. He combined aggression with composure, punishing every loose delivery. Buttler’s counter-attacking knock was the perfect support act, ensuring England maintained momentum from the powerplay until the final ball.
South Africa’s Struggles with the Ball
South Africa’s decision to bowl first backfired spectacularly. Their pacers failed to find swing, bowled too short, and gave away free runs. By the 10th over, England were cruising past 140 — a nightmare scenario for any bowling unit.
Chase That Never Began
Chasing 305 was always improbable. South Africa needed a flawless start, but Archer and Curran removed key batters early. With wickets tumbling regularly, the chase lost direction, and the innings folded inside 17 overs.
Records Broken
- Highest T20I team total: 304/2 (England)
- England’s biggest T20I win margin: 146 runs
- Highest individual T20I score for England: Phil Salt 141*
- First time 300+ scored in Men’s T20Is
Series Context
This win was crucial for England, preventing a series defeat at home. With momentum now on their side, the deciding match at Trent Bridge on September 14 promises to be a high-stakes thriller.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where will the 3rd T20I decider be played?
Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Who were the standout bowlers for England?
Jofra Archer (3 wickets), Sam Curran (2 wickets).
Did South Africa ever win after conceding 300+ in T20Is?
No team in history has successfully chased 300+ in T20Is.
How significant is Salt’s innings?
It’s the highest-ever score by an England batter in T20Is and one of the fastest in terms of strike rate at such a big score.
What records were broken in this match?
Highest team total, biggest win margin for England, and Salt’s highest individual T20I score for England.
Who won the Player of the Match?
Phil Salt, for his 141* at Old Trafford
Conclusion
England bounced back in style with a record-breaking victory over South Africa, proving their batting depth and bowling discipline. Salt’s innings will be remembered as one of the greatest in T20I history, while Buttler and Archer also left their mark.
The series is now perfectly poised at 1-1, with the decider promising fireworks at Trent Bridge on Sunday, September 14 .
Sources: ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz
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