Phil Salt And Jos Buttler Equal Rohit Sharma–Shikhar Dhawan’s Record During England’s Thumping Win Over South Africa In Manchester T20I

In a dazzling display of aggressive cricket, England stormed back into the three-match T20I series with a monumental 146-run win over South Africa at Old Trafford, Manchester. With this result, the series stands at 1-1, setting up a mouth-watering decider at Trent Bridge on Sunday, September 14. England’s dominance was driven by Phil Salt’s record-shattering century and a cohesive bowling performance that dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup.

Phil Salt’s Fireworks Light Up Old Trafford

Opting to bowl first, South Africa likely didn’t anticipate the onslaught that followed. Phil Salt, opening the innings, played an innings for the ages. His unbeaten 141 off just 60 deliveries was a blend of brutal power and elegant timing. The knock included 15 fours and 8 sixes, many of which cleared the boundaries by a massive distance.

Salt’s innings will be remembered as one of England’s greatest in T20I history. It was not just about the runs; it was about the intent. From the outset, Salt looked to dominate and never allowed South Africa’s bowlers to settle.

Buttler and Salt – A Historic Pairing

Captain Jos Buttler provided the perfect foil to Salt’s aggression. He smashed a scintillating 83 off just 30 balls, lacing his innings with 8 fours and 7 sixes. Together, the duo added a century stand, etching their names in history. This was their fourth hundred-run partnership in T20Is, tying them with India’s Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan for the most century partnerships in the format.

Their opening stand set the tone for a record-breaking innings. By the time Buttler departed, England had already crossed 170 inside 13 overs.

Middle Order Adds Fuel to the Fire

The carnage did not stop with Salt and Buttler. Jacob Bethell added a quick-fire 26 off 14 balls, while Harry Brook chipped in with a blazing 41* off 21 deliveries. Brook’s innings ensured that England maintained their stranglehold right through to the final ball. The final score of 304/2 in 20 overs stands among the highest totals in T20I history, underlining the absolute dominance of the English side.

South Africa’s Bowling Nightmare

For South Africa, it was a night to forget with the ball. Key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were dismantled. Rabada’s 0/70 and Jansen’s 0/60 in their four-over spells were uncharacteristically poor, as both failed to contain the English openers.

Lizaad Williams also faced similar treatment, conceding 62 runs in just three overs. Only Bjorn Fortuin managed to pick up wickets, finishing with 2/52, though he too went at over 13 an over.

The Proteas were left searching for answers, and their plans fell apart under the unrelenting assault from England’s top order.

South Africa Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing a mammoth 305, South Africa needed a near-perfect batting effort. Instead, what unfolded was a collapse. Skipper Aiden Markram looked promising with a brisk 41 off 20 balls, and cameos from Donovan Ferreira (23 off 11) and Fortuin (32 off 16) brought momentary excitement, but no one managed to anchor the innings.

England’s bowling was sharp, disciplined, and relentless:

Jofra Archer reminded fans of his class with figures of 3/25.
Sam Curran made early inroads with 2/11.
Liam Dawson tied up the middle overs with 2/34.
Will Jacks, used as a surprise weapon, took 2/2 in a single over, cleaning up the tail.

South Africa were bowled out for 158 in just 16.1 overs, losing by a whopping 146 runs – one of their heaviest defeats in T20Is.

Salt Named Player of the Match

There was no doubt about the Player of the Match. Phil Salt’s 141* was not just a career-best effort but also one of the most dominant individual T20I knocks of all time. His ability to find gaps, clear the ropes, and rotate strike showcased a complete T20 package.

What This Means for the Series

England’s emphatic response has brought the series to life. After losing the rain-affected opener at Southampton via DLS, they needed a statement performance – and they delivered in style.

The final match now becomes a winner-takes-all contest, with both teams eager to test combinations ahead of major ICC tournaments. Momentum is clearly with England, but South Africa will be desperate to bounce back.

England’s 146-run win was a masterclass in modern T20 cricket – fearless batting, strategic bowling, and sharp fielding. Salt’s heroics, backed by Buttler’s fireworks and Archer’s return to form, ticked every box.

All eyes now shift to Trent Bridge, where the decider promises to be another high-octane showdown. With Salt in form and England buzzing, South Africa will need to regroup quickly and bring their A-game to avoid a series defeat.

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