England post record 304/2 to rout South Africa by 146 runs

England produced an overwhelming batting performance at Emirates Old Trafford to post 304 for 2 in 20 overs and defeat South Africa by 146 runs in the second Twenty20 international on Friday. The total is the highest by a full-member nation in men’s T20 internationals.

Opener Phil Salt led the assault, finishing unbeaten on 141 off 60 balls. Salt’s innings included a rapid century in 39 deliveries, one of the fastest T20 hundreds by an England player, and was supported by Jos Buttler, who made a quickfire 83 from 30 balls. The pair raced England to a commanding total with aggressive strokeplay from the outset.

England reached 100 inside the six-over powerplay and maintained relentless scoring through the middle overs. The hosts’ total of 304/2 ranks among the highest scores in men’s international T20 cricket and left South Africa facing an almost impossible chase.

South Africa’s response never gained momentum. The visitors were dismissed for 158 in 16.1 overs, with the chase collapsing under constant pressure from England’s batters. The margin of victory - 146 runs - underlined the dominance of the home side on the night.

Match	2nd T20I - Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
England	304/2 (20 overs) - P Salt 141*; J Buttler 83
South Africa	158 all out (16.1 overs)
Result	England won by 146 runs (series level 1–1)

The innings rewrote several statistical marks for England and the format: it is the highest T20 international total by a full-member nation, features England’s highest individual T20I score, and includes one of the side’s fastest centuries. The performance will be noted in record tables and sets a benchmark for white-ball batting attacks.

The three-match series is now level, with the deciding fixture scheduled at Trent Bridge. England will take confidence from this explosive display, while South Africa must regroup quickly to address the shortcomings exposed by England’s batting onslaught.