England Make History with Record-Breaking T20I Total Against South Africa
England stormed into the record books on Friday, becoming the first Test-playing nation to surpass the 300-run mark in a men’s T20 International. The monumental feat came in the second T20I against South Africa at Old Trafford, Manchester, where the hosts posted a jaw-dropping 300/2 in 20 overs.
Opting to bat first after South Africa won the toss and chose to field, England launched an all-out assault with the bat. Captain Jos Buttler led from the front with a blistering 83 off 30 balls, hammering 8 fours and 7 sixes at a strike rate nearing 277.
However, it was Philip Salt who stole the show. The dynamic opener smashed an unbeaten 140 off just 59 deliveries, registering his career-best T20I score. His innings included 15 boundaries and 8 massive sixes, making it not just a personal milestone but a defining performance in England’s T20I history.
Harry Brook provided the perfect finish with a quick-fire 39 off 20 balls*, propelling England to their record total. Prior to this, England’s highest score in the format was 267/3, achieved against the West Indies in 2023 at Tarouba.
The explosive 126-run opening stand between Salt and Buttler came in just 7.5 overs, setting the tone for the innings and leaving South Africa struggling for answers.
This landmark total reinforces England’s aggressive and fearless brand of cricket in the shortest format. With Salt now claiming the highest individual T20I score by an English player — surpassing his own previous best of 119 — and England setting a new team benchmark, the performance signals a warning to rivals ahead of major global tournaments.
England’s 300-run mark isn’t just a record — it’s a statement.
