Nottingham: England produced a record-breaking performance to level the three-match T20I series against South Africa, posting 304/2 in 20 overs before skittling the visitors for 158 in 16.1 overs, winning by 146 runs—their largest margin in T20Is. The decider will be played in Nottingham on Sunday.

Phil Salt shines with record century

The star of the match was opener Phil Salt, who blasted an unbeaten 141 off just 60 balls, including 15 boundaries and eight sixes. His century, completed in 39 balls, became the fastest T20I century by an England batter, surpassing Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball effort against Pakistan in 2021.

Salt’s knock also marked his fourth T20I century in only 42 innings, making him the fastest player to reach four hundreds in T20Is, surpassing Suryakumar Yadav (57 innings). His score of 141 not out is also the highest individual T20I score for an English batter, breaking his own 119 against West Indies in 2023.

England set multiple records

England’s total of 304/2 was their highest-ever T20I score, surpassing 267/3 against West Indies in 2023, and marked their first time breaching 300 runs in the format. It is also the third-highest total in T20I history, behind Zimbabwe’s 344/4 against Gambia in 2024 and Nepal’s 314/3 against Mongolia in 2023.

The innings was record-laden:

  • 50 runs in 3.2 overs: England’s fastest 50 batting first.
  • 100 in 5.5 overs: Second quickest against a full-member nation.
  • 166/1 at halfway: Highest-ever total after 10 overs in T20Is.
  • 200 in 12.1 overs: Fastest 200 in T20I history.
  • 48 boundaries (30 fours, 18 sixes): Second-most in a T20I innings.

Captain Jos Buttler contributed with a blistering 18-ball fifty, forming a 126-run opening stand with Salt at a run rate of 16.06—the highest-ever scoring rate for a 100-plus opening partnership by a full-member side.

South Africa’s reply falls short

Chasing a mammoth 305, South Africa were never in contention and were bowled out for 158 in 16.1 overs. Aiden Markram top-scored with 41, while Bjorn Fortuin took the only two wickets for the Proteas. Jofra Archer led England’s bowling with 3/25.

The 146-run defeat is South Africa’s heaviest loss in T20Is, surpassing their 135-run defeat to India in 2024. For England, it is also their biggest win by runs, overtaking the 137-run victory over West Indies in 2019.

Conclusion

England’s dominating display, led by Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, not only levelled the T20I series but also set several team and individual records. With the series decider in Nottingham, England enter the final match full of confidence, while South Africa will need a strong turnaround to claim the series.