Match Summary: Dominant Performance at Old Trafford
In the second T20 International England vs South Africa at Old Trafford on September 12, 2025, Phil Salt scored an outstanding 141 off just 60 balls, helping England to a huge total of 304-2. Jos Buttler supported strongly with 83 off 30. England defeated South Africa by 146 runs, tying the three-match series 1-1. Reuters+2Sky Sports+2
Record-Breaking Feats: What Salt & England Achieved
- Salt’s 141* is now the highest T20I individual score for England. Reuters+1
- The century came off 39 balls, making this the fastest T20I century by an England player, beating the previous mark held by Liam Livingstone. Sky Sports+2TalkSport+2
- England’s team total of 304-2 is their first time crossing 300 in a T20I and sets a new high against a full-member nation. The Times of India+2Reuters+2
- Powerplay domination: 100 runs in the first six overs with no loss. Sky Sports+2Reuters+2
South Africa Struggles: Bowling & Chasing Failed
South Africa never recovered from the huge target: they were bowled out for 158 in 16.1 overs. Aiden Markram top-scored with 41 off 20, but their bowling unit, including Kagiso Rabada, failed to contain England, conceding heavily. Reuters+2The Times of India+2
Notable bowling figures for England included Jofra Archer’s 3-25, Sam Curran’s 2-11, and Will Jacks’ 2 wickets. Sky Sports+2Connecticut Post+2
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Phil Salt’s Mindset & What This Means Going Forward
Salt said after the match: ‘A personal milestone, but the fact that we got 300 and won by such a big margin – you cannot ask for much more.’ Reuters+2Connecticut Post+2
He also mentioned that he wants to be the best in the world as a T20 batter, and this innings could be a statement of his goal heading into major tournaments. Sky Sports
How This Match Compares: Competitors’ Coverage & Added Insights
Many competitor reports from Sky Sports focused on the raw records: Salt’s score, England’s total, and the margin of victory. The Guardian+2Sky Sports+2
What we add:
- Context on how this performance improves England’s prospects for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
- Details on how England’s powerplay strategy crushed South Africa early.
- Insight into South Africa’s bowling errors and tactical missteps.
Conclusion:
Phil Salt’s innings of 141* wasn’t just a career high; it rewrote England’s T20 history. He smashed personal and national records, and England’s all-round team performance left little doubt about their firepower. While South Africa will need to regroup, England enters the series decider in strong psychological and statistical form.
