England 304 for 2 (Salt 141*, Buttler 83) beat South Africa 158 (Markram 41, Archer 3-25) by 146 runs
England posted their highest-ever T20I total and the third-highest in history as Phil Salt produced a devastating innings, smashing an unbeaten 141 off 60 balls. He also broke his own record for England’s highest individual score in the format and registered the fastest century by an English batter, off 39 deliveries.
The innings powered England to a 146-run victory at Old Trafford, levelling the series 1-1 and setting up Sunday’s clash as the decider.
On a flat pitch, England struck 30 fours and 18 sixes – 228 runs in boundaries – accounting for three-quarters of their total of 304. Salt’s onslaught was supported by Jos Buttler, who blazed 83 off 32 balls, including his fastest T20I fifty.
South Africa endured a torrid outing with the ball. Kagiso Rabada (0-70), Lizaad Williams (0-62) and Marco Jansen (0-60), all returning from injury, delivered three of the six most expensive figures in T20I history. In total, South Africa conceded eight wides and five no-balls – effectively bowling two additional overs. Across their last 75 overs on this tour, spanning the third ODI and two T20Is, they have leaked 772 runs.
Chasing 305, South Africa briefly threatened, reaching 50 without loss inside 21 balls. Aiden Markram’s 41 from 20 was his best in 18 innings, while Bjorn Fortuin’s cameo of 32 off 16 was the next highest. However, wickets fell regularly and the required run rate proved impossible.
Pouring Salt in the Wounds
Salt began with three consecutive boundaries off Jansen’s opening over and never relented. After Buttler fell in the eighth over, Salt dominated, bringing up fifty from 19 balls before surging to a century from 39. He later surpassed his own record for the highest T20I score by an England batter, finishing with the seventh-highest score in T20I history.
Archer’s Return
Rested for the rain-shortened first T20I, Jofra Archer struck early, dismissing Ryan Rickelton, Lhuan-dré Pretorius and Dewald Brevis to leave South Africa reeling. He finished with 3 for 25 and also took three catches.
Curran’s Variations
Sam Curran impressed with his slower-ball variations, claiming 2 for 11 from two overs, while Will Jacks chipped in with 2 for 1.
England’s performance, headlined by Salt’s brutal hitting, ensured a record-breaking night and a resounding series-levelling victory. (ESPNcricinfo)
