STRETFORD: England produced a stellar all-round performance on Saturday, crushing South Africa by 147 runs at Old Cricket Ground after posting a massive 305-run target and then defending it with clinical bowling. The Proteas, who had won the first T20I of the series, were completely dismantled.
England Batting
England opened with Phil Salt and Jos Buttler, whose explosive partnership set the tone. Salt remained unbeaten on 141 off 60 balls, while Buttler contributed 83 before being dismissed, helping England reach 224.
Jacob Bethell continued the aggressive momentum with 26 off 14 balls, pushing the total past 250. In the final overs, skipper Harry Brook played aggressively, scoring an unbeaten 41 off 21, taking England’s final total to 291, which, combined with 13 extras from South Africa, set a daunting target of 305 runs.
South Africa Batting
South Africa’s chase collapsed early despite a blistering start by Aiden Markram, who scored 41 off 20 balls. Ryan Rickelton added 20 off 10 balls, but his dismissal to Jofra Archer triggered a batting collapse.
Middle-order contributions from Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira were brief, with both scoring 23 runs. Marco Jansen, Rabada, and the tailenders fell cheaply, leaving South Africa all out for 158 in 16.1 overs.
England’s bowlers, led by Archer, Jacks, and Dawson, executed their plans flawlessly, completely dismantling a strong Proteas lineup and securing a comprehensive victory.
