England produced a batting spectacle of the highest order, smashing 304/2 in 20 overs against South Africa in the 2nd T20I of the series. This marks one of the highest team totals in T20 International history, leaving South Africa facing a monumental chase.
Phil Salt Leads the Charge
Opener Phil Salt was the star of the show, blasting an unbeaten 141 off 60 balls. His innings was a display of clean hitting, featuring 15 fours and 8 sixes, and maintaining a strike rate of 235.00. Salt brought up his century in just 39 balls, ensuring England never lost momentum.
Buttler’s Blitz and Brook’s Finish
- Jos Buttler played a devastating knock of 83 off 30 deliveries, reaching his half-century in only 18 balls. He hammered 8 fours and 7 sixes, setting the tone in the Powerplay.
- Jacob Bethell contributed a quick 26 from 14 balls before falling to Bjorn Fortuin.
- Skipper Harry Brook closed the innings strongly with an unbeaten 41 off 21 balls, adding to England’s fireworks.
Together, the top order ensured England crossed 100 inside 6 overs, 200 by the 13th over, and eventually breached the 300-run mark in style.
South Africa’s Bowling Nightmare
It was a tough evening for the Proteas bowlers:
- Kagiso Rabada went for 70 runs in his 4 overs, one of his most expensive spells in T20Is.
- Lizaad Williams conceded 62 in just 3 overs, as England’s batters targeted him with sixes.
- Marco Jansen (0/60) and Aiden Markram (0/19 in 1 over) also suffered.
- Only Bjorn Fortuin managed to take wickets, dismissing Buttler and Bethell to finish with 2/52 in 4 overs.
Key Milestones – England Innings
- Powerplay dominance: 100/0 in 6 overs.
- Salt’s century: 100 from 39 balls.
- Buttler’s fifty: 50 from just 18 balls.
- Team total: 304/2 in 20 overs (RR 15.20).
England’s Batting Scorecard:
- Phil Salt: 141* (60)
- Jos Buttler: 83 (30)
- Jacob Bethell: 26 (14)
- Harry Brook: 41* (21)
- Extras: 13
- Total: 304/2 in 20 overs
Final Word:
This Manchester innings will go down as one of England’s greatest ever T20 batting performances. Whether South Africa can pull off a miracle chase remains the big question of the night.
About the Author
