Phil Salt’s record-breaking T20 century powered England to a commanding 146-run victory over South Africa on Friday, producing the third-highest men’s T20 total in history. Salt remained unbeaten on 141, while Jos Buttler contributed 83 as England posted 304-2, including 18 sixes and 30 boundaries.
South Africa showed fight initially but were 64-3 after the powerplay and lost captain Aiden Markram for 41 in the eighth over. The Proteas were bowled out for 158 in the 17th over, marking their heaviest T20 defeat by runs and England’s largest winning margin in men’s T20s.
Salt reached his 141 off 60 balls, surpassing his previous England record of 119 set in December 2023, while Buttler’s 50 in 18 balls became England’s third-fastest T20 half-century. Together, Salt and Buttler reached 100 runs in the powerplay, only the third time this has happened in men’s T20 cricket.
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England captain Harry Brook praised the team’s batting depth, calling the series a strong preparation for the T20 World Cup. England’s bowlers then exploited the mounting pressure, with Jofra Archer taking 3-25, Sam Curran 2-11, and Will Jacks claiming two wickets at the death.
The series now moves to a decider in Nottingham on Sunday.
Source : Agency