LONDON, 14 September 2025 – Truly unbelievable was the display put on by England during the second T20I against South Africa held at Old Trafford, as they hammered a full member nation by 146 runs in this awe-evoking record performance. Phil Salt, with 141 not out off 60 balls, created history on that day for being the highest T20I score by an England batsman. While, Jos Buttler scored at a great pace himself; contributing 83 runs off just 30 balls. England scored 304 runs for only 2 wickets in 20 overs. Thus, their highest-ever T20 score by a full ICC member.
That stupendous tally was backed by England’s powerplays that set multiple records: 100 runs in the first six overs ambland 166-1 after ten. South Africa just collapsed; and got all out for 158 runs in 16.1 overs. The enormity of the defeat naturally initiated introspection from South Africa’s leaders; who conceded that their bowling plans were flawed and their tactics misjudged.
A contrasting outcome marked the opening match of the series. Rain reduced the contest in Cardiff to a brief five-over per side spectacle. South Africa posted 97 for five in just 7.5 overs; England, chasing under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rules, fell short by 14 runs. Marco Jansen impressed with the ball, while veteran names such as Buttler fell early despite flash contributions.
The final match, scheduled in Nottingham, never began. Persistent rain forced abandonment, leaving the series locked 1-1. England’s resurgence in Manchester met with disappointment as weather erased chances at a decider.
These results are not just about record books and shooters; they matter a lot to the international calendar. New Zealand thus confirmed that Kane Williamson has settled for a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket and now feature in the 2025 and 26 editions of the T20 World Cup, which is to be hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February 2026. Williamson has confirmed, and besides him, Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Seifert have signed the same terms, though with the exceptions that all but Williamson are available for the upcoming home T20I series.
Asia Cup action added its own headline. India overwhelmed the United Arab Emirates in their opener, posting their fastest T20I run-chase in men’s history. Abhishek Sharma starred alongside Shubman Gill; Rohit Sharma’s prior record stood until this match.
England’s high-octane display against South Africa rewrote expectations of what infection of momentum across a short series looks like. Salt’s 141* not only fills highlight reels but forces rival sides to recalibrate bowlers and strategies in run defense. South Africa needs to recover fast. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s contract moves underscore global cricket’s tension between franchise commitments and national duties, especially in lead-ups to World Cups.
As the global T20I schedule intensifies ahead of the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, teams endure tight scrutiny over squad management, match strategy and adaptability in all conditions. England rides a wave of record breaking; India sends signal of depth; South Africa looks for answers. Cricket watchers anticipate next series—against England’s contest with Ireland, New Zealand’s home fixtures, India and Pakistan in Asia Cup—as affording fresh drama, tactical twists and possibly more history rewriting.
