Salt blasts fastest T20 century as England crush South Africa

Manchester, 13 September 2025:

Phil Salt smashed England’s fastest Twenty20 century as the hosts piled up a record 304-2 and romped to a 146-run victory over South Africa at Old Trafford on Friday, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Salt reached his hundred in just 39 balls, surpassing Liam Livingstone’s 42-ball effort against Pakistan in 2021. He finished unbeaten on 141 off 60 deliveries, the highest score by an England batter in a T20 international, eclipsing Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 124. His knock included 15 fours and eight sixes.

England’s total was their highest ever in the format and the biggest between two full-member nations. Jos Buttler blasted 83 off 30 balls in a 126-run opening stand with Salt. Harry Brook added an unbeaten 41 off 21, while Jacob Bethell chipped in with 24 off 10.

South Africa briefly threatened through Aiden Markram (41 off 20) and Ryan Rickelton, who put on 50 runs in 22 balls. But Jofra Archer struck twice in the fourth over and finished with 3-25. Sam Curran chipped in with 2-11 as the visitors were bowled out for 158 in 16.1 overs.

The series concludes Sunday at Trent Bridge.

Second T20I, Old Trafford

England 304-2 (20 overs): Salt 141* (60), Buttler 83 (30)

South Africa 158 (16.1 overs): Markram 41 (20); Archer 3-25

England won by 146 runs; series 1-1