England skipper Jos Buttler lit up Old Trafford with a whirlwind knock in the 2nd T20I against South Africa on Friday, September 12, smashing a half-century in just 18 balls. His fiery innings included six fours and four sixes, leaving South Africa stunned after opting to bowl first.
Buttler’s milestone makes him the third-fastest Englishman to reach a T20I fifty. The record list now reads:
-
Moeen Ali – 16 balls vs South Africa, Bristol 2022
-
Liam Livingstone – 17 balls vs Pakistan, Nottingham 2021
-
Jos Buttler – 18 balls vs South Africa, Manchester 2025
-
Philip Salt – 19 balls vs Pakistan, Lahore 2022
At the other end, Philip Salt also played aggressively, hammering 32 runs off just 11 balls, striking at nearly 291. Together, Buttler and Salt powered England to 89/0 in just 5.1 overs, maintaining a run rate above 17.
The record-breaking start showcased England’s trademark fearless approach in T20 cricket. Buttler raised his bat to acknowledge the Manchester crowd after reaching the landmark, continuing his reputation as one of the most destructive openers in world cricket.
South Africa’s bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada, felt the heat as England’s openers went on an all-out assault in the powerplay.
