England opener Phil Salt was at his menacing best as he hammered the highest score and fastest century by an English batter in the second T20I against South Africa. The hosts secured 146 runs win and leveled the three-match T20I series 1-1. In the process, England posted a mammoth score of 304 runs - the highest score achieved by a full member in a team in T20Is. Salt's blitz of an unbeaten 141 was the cornerstone of England posting a huge score, and completely out batting South Africa out of the contest.
300 was breached for the first time in T20Is by two Test-playing nations. India came close last year when they had posted 297-6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad. South Africa, who hold the record for the highest-ever chase in T20Is, this time fell short against England as they were bundled out for just 158 in 16.1 overs. After his epic innings, Salt was naturally over the moon and told Sky Sports:
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"That was really good fun. A personal milestone, but the fact that we got 300 and won by such a big margin, I can't have asked for much more."
Only Zimbabwe had breached 300 in T20I (344) against Gambia in October last year, and Nepal (314) against Mongolia two years ago, have made scores in excess of 300.
Philip Salt's blitz downs South Africa
Notably, no bowler was spared by the stunning assault of Salt, as he played in only one gear. Sixes and boundaries rained in Manchester, as South African bowlers were hiding for cover. They could only pick two wickets, and that tells you a story about how the England innings was played. Salt's fourth T20I ton, also the highest ever for England, was laced with 15 fours and eight sixes on his Lancashire home ground. He was well-supported by Jos Buttler, who scored a breezy 83 off 30 balls.
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"Pretty lost for words," said Brook. "The way those two (Salt and Buttler) started off was just phenomenal.
"Me, Jos and I stood out there and said we never thought anyone would get 300."
Salt would hope he continues in the same form, as England would hope to win the T20 series after losing the ODI series.
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