The match ignited right from the first over as Jos Buttler, opening the batting, treated South Africa’s attack like a practice session. In the powerplay, he bludgeoned 65 runs off just 24 balls, smashing boundaries at will. His 18-ball fifty is the third-fastest for England in T20Is, behind Moeen Ali’s 16-ball effort and Liam Livingstone’s 17-ball special. Buttler targeted Kagiso Rabada mercilessly, hitting four consecutive boundaries in one over, and even cleared the ropes six times. This onslaught, combined with Phil Salt’s 52 off 20, propelled England to 101/0 in the first 6 overs – a score that ranks fourth all-time in T20I powerplays, just behind Travis Head’s 73 and Paul Stirling’s 67.

Buttler’s aggressive approach not only rattled the bowlers but also set a platform for Salt to build on. He eventually departed for 83 to Bjorn Fortuin, but by then, the damage was done. Fans at Old Trafford were on their feet, roaring as England broke records left and right.

With Buttler setting the stage, Phil Salt took center stage and delivered a performance for the ages. The explosive opener raced to his hundred in a blistering 39 balls, eclipsing previous England records and etching his name in T20I folklore. Salt’s knock included 13 fours and 5 sixes, showcasing his power-hitting prowess and composure under pressure. He continued unbeaten on 113, helping England surge past 244/2 by the 16th over.

This century marks Salt as the first Englishman to achieve such a feat in T20Is, surpassing the previous mark. Coming off paternity leave, Salt’s return has been nothing short of spectacular, reminding everyone why he’s a key player in England’s white-ball setup. His partnership with Buttler – 100 runs in the powerplay – is now the stuff of legends, and it puts immense pressure on South Africa in the chase.