Salt’s Sensational Ton Leads England to Huge Win Against South Africa

England produced a stunning batting display to thrash South Africa by 146 runs in the second T20I of the series at Old Trafford, Manchester on Friday.

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram won the toss and opted to bowl first, but it backfired as England piled up a mammoth 304/2 in 20 overs — the third-highest total in T20I history.

England got off to a flying start with a 126-run opening stand. Jos Buttler smashed a blistering 83 off 30 balls to set the tone. After his dismissal, Jacob Bethell (26) combined with Phil Salt for a 95-run second-wicket stand. Salt was unstoppable, powering his way to an unbeaten 141 off 60 balls, while Harry Brook added a quick 42 not out, as England finished with a record-breaking total.

Chasing 305, South Africa started positively, reaching 50 without loss, but once Ryan Rickelton (20) fell, the innings unraveled. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals, and despite cameos from Aiden Markram (41 off 20), Donovan Ferreira (23), Tristan Stubbs (23), and Bjorn Fortuin (32), South Africa were bowled out for 158 in 16.1 overs.