England scripted history in Manchester as they broke India's World Record of highest-ever total in T20I as full-member nation. England recorded a colossal total of 304/2 in the second T20I against South Africa at Old Trafford riding on record-breaking century by Phil Salt.
England pile highest-ever T20I total as full-member team
Salt, after cracking the fastest T20I century for England which came in just 39 balls, led the charge with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 141 runs from just 60 balls, while Buttler provided an explosive start, smashing 83 off only 30 balls. With invaluable contributions from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook, England crossed the 300-run mark on the second-to-last ball of their innings, etching their names into the record books.
Highest totals in T20Is vs a Full member team:
304/2 Eng vs SA Manchester 2025
297/6 Ind vs Ban Hyderabad 2024
283/1 Ind vs SA Joburg 2024
278/3 Afg vs Ire Dehradun 2019
267/3 Eng vs WI Tarouba 2023
After being put in to bat by South Africa, England's top order delivered a masterclass in hitting. Openers Phil Salt and captain Jos Buttler launched a brutal assault from the very beginning, smashing 126 runs for the first wicket in under eight overs. Buttler’s explosive innings of 83 off just 30 balls, which included eight fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 276, finally came to an end at the hands of Bjorn Fortuin.
Salt continued the relentless attack, combining powerful straight hits with inventive strokes to the off side. His masterful knock, decorated with 15 fours and eight sixes, dismantled the South African bowlers, who struggled to find any rhythm or control. Contributions from Jacob Bethell (26 off 14) and an unbeaten 41 from 21 balls by Harry Brook helped England reach a record-breaking total.
This batting carnage resulted in England’s highest-ever T20I total and only the second 300-plus score in men's T20I history. South Africa's bowlers had a day to forget, with Kagiso Rabada giving up 70 runs, Marco Jansen 60, and Lizaad Williams 62 in just three overs. Only Fortuin had some success, finishing with 2 for 52. The Proteas' bowling woes were further compounded by 13 extras conceded through wides and no-balls.
England's Playing XI: Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w), Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook(c), Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood
South Africa's Playing XI: Aiden Markram(c), Ryan Rickelton(w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Donovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Bjorn Fortuin, Kwena Maphaka, Lizaad Williams