Phil Salt rewrote the record books with an explosive 141* off 60 balls, propelling England to their highest-ever T20 total of 304-2 in a dominant 146-run victory over South Africa at Old Trafford. The win leveled the three-match series 1-1 ahead of Sunday's decider at Trent Bridge.
Unstoppable Batting Display
Salt surpassed Liam Livingstone's previous England T20 century record (42 balls) by reaching triple figures in just 39 deliveries. The opener's career-best knock featured 15 boundaries and eight sixes, including a brutal assault on South Africa's bowlers during a 126-run opening stand with Jos Buttler (83 off 30 balls).
"It was one of those nights where everything clicked," Salt said post-match. "When you're in that kind of rhythm, you just want to keep going."
Support Cast Shines
England's batting fireworks continued with cameos from Jacob Bethell (24 off 10) and captain Harry Brook (41* off 21), who combined with Salt for rapid partnerships totaling 178 runs. South Africa's bowlers struggled throughout, with Kagiso Rabada conceding 58 runs from his four overs and four teammates leaking over 15 runs per over.
Archer Leads Bowling Charge
Defending their mammoth total, England's bowlers extinguished South Africa's chase early. Jofra Archer (3-25) removed both openers in the fourth over, while Sam Curran (2-11) and Adil Rashid (2-33) helped bundle out the visitors for 158 in 16.1 overs. Aiden Markram's 41 off 20 balls proved the lone resistance.
"This performance shows what we're capable of when everything aligns," said captain Jos Buttler. "The challenge now is maintaining this intensity."
The victory marks England's highest margin of victory in T20Is and the first 300+ total between full-member nations. With both teams now eyeing Sunday's finale, Salt's historic innings has reignited England's white-ball ambitions ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
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