England made cricket history by crossing the 300-run mark for the first time in a T20 International match, smashing Team India’s previous record in the process. In the second T20I against South Africa at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, England posted a monumental total of 304 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets. This feat was powered by Phil Salt’s blazing century and Jos Buttler’s explosive innings, marking only the third time any team has crossed 300 in T20 International history—but the first such instance between two full-member Test nations.

The foundation for this record-breaking innings was laid by the dynamic opening partnership between Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, who accumulated 126 runs in just 7.5 overs. Salt, who scored the fastest T20I century by an England batsman in a mere 39 balls, eventually finished unbeaten on 141 runs off 60 balls, including 15 fours and 8 sixes—a new highest individual score by an English player in the format. Buttler supported with a rapid 86 runs, helping England reach the historic milestone. Captain Harry Brook sealed the achievement with a single run in the final over, taking the team beyond 300.

While Nepal and Zimbabwe previously breached the 300-run mark against associate nations, England’s achievement is landmark as it was accomplished against a strong full-member opponent. India’s previous highest T20I team total was 297/6 against Bangladesh in 2024. England’s innings also featured 48 boundaries (30 fours and 18 sixes), setting a new record for the most boundaries in a T20I innings between full members, second only to Zimbabwe’s 57 boundaries in their 344-run innings against Gambia.

The record-breaking innings by England highlights their growing strength in the T20 format and sets a new benchmark for high-scoring contests among elite cricketing nations.