England bounced back in spectacular style to level the three-match T20I series against South Africa, registering a massive 146-run victory in the second game at Old Trafford, Manchester. The star of the night was Phil Salt, who produced a sensational century and, along with Jos Buttler, etched his name in the record books.
Phil Salt and Jos Buttler rewrite records
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first, but the decision quickly backfired. England’s opening duo, Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, launched a ruthless assault on the Proteas bowlers, racing to a century partnership that placed them alongside Indian greats Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Both pairs now hold the record for most century stands (four) in T20 internationals.
Salt was the headline act, blasting 141 not out off just 60 balls, an innings filled with 15 fours and 8 towering sixes. It was an innings of raw power and precision, arguably one of the finest by an England batter in T20 cricket. Buttler, equally devastating, smashed 83 off 30 balls, peppering the boundaries with 8 fours and 7 sixes.
By the time Buttler departed, England had already put South Africa on the back foot. Contributions from Jacob Bethell (26 off 14) and Harry Brook (41 not out off 21) ensured the momentum never dipped. The hosts eventually posted a colossal 304/2 in 20 overs, one of the highest totals in T20I history.
England scripted history in the second T20I against South Africa#cricket #ENGvSA #T20I pic.twitter.com/Ljeyb1ZOui
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 13, 2025
South Africa’s batting collapse follows their bowling nightmare
South Africa’s bowling unit endured a torrid evening. Senior pacers Kagiso Rabada (0/70 in 4 overs) and Marco Jansen (0/60 in 4 overs) were taken apart by Salt and Buttler, conceding at nearly 15 runs per over. Youngster Lizaad Williams (0/62 in 3 overs) also suffered at the hands of England’s top order.
The only bright spot came from left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, who claimed the only two wickets to fall while conceding 52 runs in his spell. But overall, South Africa’s attack had no answers to England’s batting fireworks.
Chasing a daunting target of 305, South Africa needed a strong start, but England’s bowlers never allowed them to settle. Captain Aiden Markram (41 off 20) tried to inject some momentum with 4 sixes, while Donovan Ferreira (23 off 11) and Bjorn Fortuin (32 off 16) played entertaining cameos. However, none of the batters could stay long enough to build partnerships.
England’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the Proteas’ innings:
- Jofra Archer (3/25) showcased his pace and control, dismissing key batters.
- Sam Curran (2/11) bowled with discipline in the powerplay.
- Liam Dawson (2/34) kept things tight in the middle overs.
- Part-timer Will Jacks (2/2 in 1 over) stunned everyone with a golden spell, mopping up the tail.
South Africa’s innings folded for 158 in 16.1 overs, giving England a thumping 146-run win.
Also READ: After David Miller, another South African ruled out of the T20I series against England
Player of the Match
There was no contest for the award – Phil Salt’s explosive century was the defining performance of the match. His aggressive stroke play and fearless intent set the tone, leaving the Proteas helpless.
Phil Salt was adjudged Player of the Match for his record breaking batting performance#cricket #ENGvSA #T20I #PhilSalt pic.twitter.com/2RI2BTHcSb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 13, 2025
The victory not only levelled the series 1-1 but also restored England’s confidence after their narrow defeat in the opening T20I at Southampton (via DLS). With everything to play for, the third and final T20I will take place at Trent Bridge on Sunday, September 14.
Also READ: Brendon McCullum chooses his favourite cricket moment as England head coach
