Phil Salt smashed the highest score and fastest century by an England batsman in a T20 international, leading England to a crushing 146-run victory over South Africa at Old Trafford on Friday. Salt’s unbeaten 141 off 60 balls, featuring 15 fours and eight sixes, propelled England to a historic 304-2—the first time a team has crossed 300 in a T20 international between Test-playing nations. The win levelled the three-match series at 1-1 after South Africa’s victory in the rain-affected opener in Cardiff.

Salt’s fourth T20 hundred, a record for an England player, came off just 39 balls, surpassing Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball mark against Pakistan in 2021 as the quickest century in any format by an Englishman. Partnering with Jos Buttler (83 off 30 balls), Salt forged a blistering 126-run opening stand in 7.5 overs. Captain Harry Brook’s unbeaten 41 further bolstered England’s total, which eclipsed India’s previous high of 297-6 against Bangladesh in 2024. South Africa, chasing an imposing target, crumbled to 158 in under 17 overs, with Aiden Markram’s 41 the top score.

Jofra Archer’s 3-25 in three overs spearheaded England’s bowling, while South Africa’s attack struggled, with Kagiso Rabada conceding 70 runs in four wicketless overs. Bjorn Fortuin (2-52) was the only bowler to take wickets. Salt’s explosive start, including four off the first three balls from Marco Jansen, set the tone for England’s dominance.

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Reflecting on the milestone, Salt told Sky Sports, “It was really good fun. A personal milestone, but the 300 and big win margin made it special.” South Africa’s captain Markram admitted, “We got it wrong from the toss, and their two masterclasses up front put us under immense pressure.” The series concludes with a decider in London on Sunday.

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