England displayed a merciless batting performance at Old Trafford on Thursday night, defeating South Africa by 146 runs to level the T20I series 1-1. The home side set a record total of 304 for 2 – their highest T20I total to date and the third-highest T20I total of all time, as Phil Salt scored a career-best 141 off only 60 balls, while also breaking several T20I records.
England set the tone for a huge total early on. Using Jos Buttler as an opening partner, Salt flexed his muscles, hitting Marco Jansen for three consecutive boundaries in the first over. Buttler swiftly joined him, as the duo hammered their fastest combined half century in T20I cricket, on only 18 balls! By the end of the powerplay, they were racing towards a century stand – 100 off only 6 overs – leaving no doubt that the chaos had only just begun.
Buttler’s powerful innings of 83 off 38 balls helped set a good score, but Salt really turned it into a storm. After Buttler went, Salt took complete control, reaching 100 in only 39 balls – the fastest for an Englishman in T20I history. He ended on 141* (60), now also the highest-ever individual score for England in T20Is, scoring 11 sixes and 10 fours.
Overall, England hit 30 fours and 18 sixes, resulting in 228 runs through boundaries and 75% of total runs. South Africa’s bowlers – many back from injuries – were left shell shocked. Kagiso Rabada (0/70), Lizaad Williams (0/62) and Marco Jansen (0/60) experienced some of the worst figures in their careers, in addition to 13 extras from wides and no-balls.
Having to chase a near impossible target of 305, South Africa made a good start, scoring 50 runs in 3.3 overs, before Jofra Archer put the brakes on quickly. Archer, back from rest, was involved in the first three wickets through a mix of sharp bowling and amazing catches. He picked up three wickets and three catches, and further demonstrated his value to the team.
The other star with the ball was Sam Curran, who maximised his variations to ensure danger was always possible. His ultra-slow balls, known as “moon balls,” landed him 2 for 11 in 2 overs. Will Jacks contributed with 2 for 1 in 1 over of his own as South Africa were bundled out for 158 in 15.4 overs.
Aiden Markram made a top score of 41, but it wasn’t good enough. All of a sudden, South Africa have a huge task to deal with going into the series decider on Sunday. Their bowling plans collapsed, and the middle-order struggles continued.
And for England? Well, it was a night to remember; records fell, dominance exerted, and momentum well favoured England. If Phil Salt keeps this up, Sunday could be another epic show.
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