Phil Salt delivered the most prolific innings at his home ground, blasting an unbeaten 141 off just 60 balls in one of the most dominant displays ever seen in T20 internationals as England thrashed South Africa by 146 runs.
It was an exhibition of clean hitting and intelligent placement, with 18 fours and seven sixes peppered around the ground.
Reaching his century in just 39 balls, the fastest by any England batter. Salt didn’t just break records, he raised the ceiling for T20 expectations. His knock turned the match into a spectacle and confirmed what many have long believed: when Salt gets going, few can stop him.
Reflecting on his stellar knock, he said: ‘Obviously I really enjoyed that especially playing at Old Trafford, my home ground, and I’m even more thrilled that we made 300-plus and to win in that manner.’
Series all square
After losing the opening match of the series, England came into this contest under pressure. But this emphatic 146-run win at Old Trafford means the three-match series is now level at 1–1, with all to play for in the final game at Trent Bridge, weather permitting, on Sunday.
Jos Buttler, returning to the top of the order, looked in vintage form with a rapid 83 off 29 balls. Salt took a leaf out of his book, once he departed, to carry the baton on for England. Their partnership looks to be locked in for the near future as both seem to work in tandem.
Salt emphasised Buttler’s influence on his game by stating: ‘I can’t turn into Jos Buttler overnight, but I certainly try and take the best bits from his game.’
While the batters performed, the England’s bowlers backed up the batting onslaught with a disciplined performance. From top to bottom, this was a statement win and one that puts the hosts in the driver’s seat heading into Sunday’s series finale.
Injuries, chaos and concern for South Africa
It was a night to forget for South Africa, and not just because of the scoreboard. Already hampered by the absence of Keshav Maharaj, ruled out of the series due to injury, the Proteas looked toothless with the ball.
Shukri Conrad, the Proteas head coach, mentioned his side were ‘way off’ and went further to add that ‘we lost our disciplines’.
Kagiso Rabada’s awaited return was one to miss as the seamer bowled multiple no-balls in a wayward spell, Lizaad Williams conceded 62 in his and overs, and Kwena Maphaka received similar treatment resulting in a tough tour for the young touring quick.
South Africa’s fielding also crumbled under pressure and with young bowlers still finding their feet at this level, the visitors looked increasingly short on answers as the game spiralled away.
England break the 300 barrier in T20 history
England didn’t just win comfortably they rewrote the record books. Posting 304-2, saw them score their highest total in the format and the highest score in a T20I between two full-member nations.
The opening pair of Salt and Buttler went ballistic from ball one, racing to 100 in just six overs, and the onslaught never slowed.
South Africa’s bowlers were hammered to every corner, with wides, no-balls, and missed chances adding to the carnage.
It was the kind of performance you’d expect in a video game – not a high-stakes international. This was batting dominance at its most ruthless.
Sam Curran returns and delivers with the ball
Amid all the fireworks with the bat, Sam Curran’s return to the England side was another major positive.
Recalled after impressive form in The Hundred, Curran looked sharp and composed, finishing with two wickets for just 11 runs in two overs – removing both Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs, two dangerous hitters.
His left-arm angle and clever changes of pace brought control at a time when South Africa were looking to counter-punch.
After a period of being in and out of the national setup, Curran’s comeback couldn’t have been better timed – and he looks set to play a key role in the decider and England duties over the winter.
