England Crush South Africa by 146 Runs in Historic T20I at Manchester, Sets Record-Breaking 304/2

England delivered a crushing blow to South Africa in the second T20I of their three-match series at Old Trafford, Manchester, crafting a record-breaking innings that left the visitors reeling in defeat. England smashed an unprecedented total of 304 runs for 2 wickets in 20 overs—the first time a Test-playing nation has crossed the 300-run mark in a T20 International. South Africa, chasing this mammoth target, were bowled out for just 158 runs in 16.1 overs, suffering their heaviest defeat ever in T20Is by 146 runs.

Following a strong start in the first match, South Africa entered the second game with high hopes but found themselves overwhelmed by West Indies-born England opener Phil Salt and stand-in captain Jos Buttler. Salt produced a scintillating unbeaten 141 from 60 balls, smashing 15 fours and 8 sixes, while Buttler contributed a blazing 83 off just 30 deliveries, laced with 7 sixes and 8 fours. Their electrifying partnership laid the foundation for England’s historic total.

South Africa began their chase aggressively, with captain Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickleton adding 50 runs in 22 balls. Markram top-scored with 41 runs off 20 balls, featuring 4 sixes and 2 fours, and Rickleton chipped in with 20 off 10. However, the innings soon faltered as wickets fell regularly. Bjorn Fortuin (32 off 16) and Tristan Stubbs and Devon Ferreira (23 each) offered resistance but could not prevent the collapse. England’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer was instrumental, picking up 3 wickets for 25 runs, supported by Sam Curran (2), Liam Dawson (2), Will Jacks (2), and Adil Rashid (1).

England’s innings included several team records: the fastest 200 by a Test-playing nation (12.1 overs), the second-fastest 150, and the fastest 250 in T20Is. Phil Salt’s 39-ball century was the fastest century by an England batsman in T20I history, surpassing Liam Livingstone’s previous record of 42 balls. The sky-high total is now the highest score by an international full-member nation, breaking India’s 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024.

South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada endured a difficult day, conceding 70 runs in 4 overs, marking the most expensive bowling figures by a South African in T20 internationals.

This dominant display by England, combined with South Africa's collapse, ensured a memorable night at Manchester, leveling the series 1-1 ahead of the decider at Trent Bridge