England rewrote the T20 record books by smashing 304 for 2 against South Africa at Old Trafford on September 12, 2025. Phil Salt hit an explosive 141 not out off 60 balls, Jos Buttler blasted 83 off 30, and England secured a 146-run win. This was the first time a full member nation crossed the 300-run mark in T20 internationals.
Key Highlights
England’s innings was a blend of fearless hitting and relentless momentum. Phil Salt lit up the night with a 39-ball century the fastest by an England player in T20Is before finishing unbeaten on 141. Jos Buttler added a brutal 83 off just 30 deliveries. Together, they created the platform for England to achieve a historic milestone.
South Africa, tasked with chasing 305, never got going and folded for 158. England’s bowlers sealed the 146-run win, leveling the three-match series 1–1.
Stats and Records Broken
| Record | New Mark | Previous Record / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Highest total by a full member nation | 304-2 vs South Africa | First 300+ in T20I between full members |
| Third highest total overall in men’s T20Is | 304-2 | Behind Zimbabwe 344-4 (2024) and Nepal 314-3 (2023) |
| England’s previous best | 304-2 | Beat 267-3 vs West Indies in 2023 |
| Fastest England T20I century | Phil Salt 39 balls | Broke Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball century |
| Highest individual T20I score for England | Phil Salt 141* | Surpassed his previous 119 |
| Powerplay dominance | 100/0 in 6 overs | Rare feat at full member level |
| 10-over score | 166/1 | Highest ever at halfway stage in T20Is |
| Boundary count | 48 (30 fours, 18 sixes) | Among highest in T20Is |
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Player Highlights
- Phil Salt: His unbeaten 141 was England’s highest T20I score. The innings was full of power shots and timing, cementing him as one of England’s most dangerous openers.
- Jos Buttler: Scored 83 at a strike rate above 275, dismantling South Africa’s attack and giving England a flying start.
- Harry Brook (41) and Jacob Bethell (26): Their late cameos ensured England breached the 300-run mark with ease.
How South Africa Responded
South Africa’s bowlers struggled from the opening overs. With 100 conceded in the powerplay, they were under pressure throughout. Their chase never settled, collapsing to 158 all out in 16.1 overs. England’s bowlers shared wickets, ensuring the record-breaking batting display was matched with a convincing win.
Why This Matters
Crossing 300 against a top international side shows how T20 cricket has evolved. England’s fearless intent set a new benchmark that will influence strategies worldwide. For bowlers, variations and tactical field placements will now be under sharper focus. For fans, this match was an unforgettable reminder of the spectacle that T20 can deliver.
Editor’s Insights
England’s achievement is not just a statistical milestone but a sign of how batting depth and modern power-hitting are changing cricket. Phil Salt’s innings will be remembered as a turning point, much like Chris Gayle’s early T20 exploits or Brendon McCullum’s IPL opener in 2008. The question now is how quickly other full member nations will respond and whether 300+ scores become more frequent in the coming years.
Source and Attribution
Match reports and scorecards used for this summary include Match details from ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and official ECB updates.
Disclaimer
This article is a summary of publicly available match reports and official scorecards. EveningHeadline.com does not claim ownership of original sources or images and credits go to respective rights holders. Readers should refer to official cricket boards for certified match data.
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