England vs South Africa: Salt and Buttler Dominate in Second T20 International
England delivered a blistering batting performance against South Africa in the second T20 international at Old Trafford. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler launched a stunning assault, setting the stage for a high-scoring encounter.
Salt's Sizzling Fifty
Phil Salt exploded onto the scene, smashing a rapid 19-ball fifty. He targeted Lizaad Williams in particular, taking 20 runs off four deliveries in the 9th over. His innings included a flurry of sixes and fours, overshadowing even Buttler's earlier heroics. Salt's aggressive approach put South Africa under immense pressure right from the start.
Buttler's Breathtaking Innings
Jos Buttler played a phenomenal innings, reaching 83 off just 30 balls before being caught by Tristan Stubbs off the bowling of Bjorn Fortuin. Buttler's innings featured eight fours and seven sixes, showcasing his power and precision. His departure was met with a standing ovation, acknowledging the sheer brilliance of his performance. The crowd at Old Trafford was treated to some exceptional hitting.
Record-Breaking Powerplay
England reached 100 runs in a record-breaking powerplay, achieving the milestone in just six overs. This surpassed their previous best of 89 for 3 against South Africa in a World T20 game nine years ago. The onslaught by Salt and Buttler left the South African bowlers reeling. The teenage left-arm seamer, Kwena Maphaka, faced the brunt of the assault. This performance put them in a strong position to post a formidable total.
Early Onslaught and Partnership
The opening partnership between Salt and Buttler reached fifty in just 3.2 overs. Buttler's aggressive approach was evident from the start, as he dispatched Bjorn Fortuin for multiple sixes and fours. Williams' first over went for 23, highlighting the intensity of the assault. The early onslaught by the English openers put South Africa on the back foot. Kagiso Rabada was not spared either, as Buttler attacked him with similar intent.
Team News and Toss
South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl, hoping to exploit early moisture in the pitch. England made one change to their lineup, bringing in Jofra Archer for Jamie Overton. South Africa included Bjorn Fortuin in place of Corbin Bosch, with Keshan Maharaj ruled out due to a groin strain. The team lineups were as follows:
| England | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Salt, Buttler (wk), Brook (c), Bethell, Banton, Curran, Jacks, Dawson, Archer, Rashid, Wood | Markram (c), Rickelton, Pretorious, Brevis, Stubbs, Ferreira, Jansen, Rabada, Forruin, Maphaka, Williams |
