Manchester, September 12, 2025 — England captain Jos Buttler produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting, racing to a half-century in just 18 balls, as the hosts made a blistering start in the second T20I against South Africa at Old Trafford.
After being asked to bat first, England openers Philip Salt and Buttler tore into the South African attack, bringing up the team’s 100-run mark without loss in just six overs. Buttler, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 24 deliveries, hammered seven fours and five sixes at a staggering strike rate of 270.83.
At the other end, Salt was equally destructive, smashing 33 off just 12 balls with six boundaries and a six, striking at 275. His aggressive strokeplay ensured the pressure was relentless on South Africa’s bowlers.
The visitors tried multiple options with Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, Bjorn Fortuin and Kwena Maphaka all in action during the powerplay, but none could break through. Rabada conceded 27 in his two overs, while Williams was taken for 23 runs in his solitary over.
England’s dominance in the powerplay has set the stage for a mammoth total, with Buttler leading from the front in what could be one of his most explosive T20I knocks. South Africa, who opted to bowl first, now face the daunting task of pulling the game back from a whirlwind English start.butler
