England’s high-octane “Bazball” cricket philosophy took flight in the T20 format on Friday, as they shattered multiple world records by breaching the 300-run barrier in a massive 146-run victory over South Africa. The historic second T20I at Old Trafford saw England finish with a staggering 304 for two, marking the first time a team has scored over 300 in a match between two full-member nations.
The onslaught was led by an explosive opening partnership between Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. Buttler set the tone by smashing 83 off just 30 balls, including a half-century in just 18 deliveries, one of the fastest ever for an England player. Salt, however, stole the show with a record-breaking performance, remaining unbeaten on 141 from just 60 balls. His century came in a mere 39 balls, breaking Liam Livingstone’s record for the fastest T20I hundred by an England batter. Salt’s innings included 15 fours and eight sixes.
England’s total of 304/2 is now the third-highest in all men’s T20I history, and the highest ever against a Test-playing nation. Their score surpassed India’s previous record of 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024. The only higher totals in the format were set by Zimbabwe (344/4 vs Gambia) and Nepal (314/3 vs Mongolia) in matches against non-Test-playing nations.
The team’s dominance extended beyond the scoreboard. They also set a new record for the highest T20I score at the 10-over mark with 166-1 and recorded their highest-ever Powerplay score with 100 runs within the first six overs. South Africa’s bowlers were left without answers, with four of them conceding over 50 runs, and the team was eventually bundled out for just 158 runs, marking their heaviest defeat in the format.
