England’s Record Night: Phil Salt Blasts Historic 304/2 vs South Africa in T20
Phil Salt’s unbeaten 141 lifts England to 304/2—their highest T20 international total ever—as they crush South Africa by 146 runs. England rewrite the record books.
Introduction: ENG vs SA — A Night to Remember
When England vs South Africa clashed in the second T20 international at Old Trafford in 2025, it wasn’t just another England vs South Africa match. It became a historic display of power hitting, discipline, and records tumbling. England’s performance set new standards for highest T20 score by a full-member team and redefined what chasing teams will dread.
Highest Team Score in T20I History for England
- England posted 304/2 in 20 overs, their new highest T20 international team score.
- This is also among the highest T20I scores ever by any team.
- Prior to this, England’s best was much lower; this now stands as a benchmark for “highest total in T20” contests involving full members.
Phil Salt & Jos Buttler: Star Performances
- Phil Salt smashed 141 not out off 60 balls, making it the highest individual T20I score ever for England.
- His century came in just 39 balls, also becoming England’s fastest T20I hundred.
- Jos Buttler supported in outstanding fashion, scoring 83 off 30 balls and helping England dominate the powerplay and middle overs.
Match Result & Impact
- England beat South Africa by 146 runs—a huge margin in T20 cricket.
- South Africa’s chase faltered; they were all out for 158 in 16.1 overs.
- This result leveled the series, but more importantly, it sets a new bar for England’s T20 ambitions.
How This Places Among “Highest T20 International Scores”
- The 304/2 is now England’s top record in T20Is.
- It’s also among the few instances where a full-member nation crossed 300 runs in a T20I—something rare and monumental.
- For comparison, previous highest team totals were often in the 260-to-280 range for many top teams; England has now pushed that ceiling higher.
What This Means Going Forward
- England cricket team now has renewed confidence for T20 series and tournaments. Their batting line-up, especially openers like Salt + Buttler, have shown they can build mammoth totals.
- South Africa (and other teams) will have to strategize better bowling plans, especially in powerplay and death overs, to restrict such scoring.
- Records like highest individual score in T20 for England are also re-written; other teams will try to match or surpass this standard.
