When England stormed past the 300-run mark in Manchester on Friday night, the cricketing world stood still for a moment. Phil Salt’s breathtaking 141 not out, coupled with Jos Buttler’s blazing 83, powered England to 304-2 against South Africa. It was the first time in a T20 international between two Test-playing nations that the 300 barrier was breached. Yet, for all the celebrations at Old Trafford, it still wasn’t the highest total ever made in men’s T20 internationals. That honour belongs to Zimbabwe, who stunned the record books last October with a staggering 344-4 against Gambia in Nairobi. Nepal also sit ahead of England on the charts, thanks to their 314-3 against Mongolia during the Asian Games in 2023. So while Salt and Buttler were rewriting English history, they were still some way off the all-time summit. India, too, remain in that elite club of near-300 giants, having posted 297-6 against Bangladesh in Hyderabad last year. Zimbabwe appear again in the top five, with 286-5 against Seychelles in Nairobi in 2024.Highest innings totals in men’s T20Is
| Team | Score | Overs | Run Rate | Opposition | Ground | Match Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 344/4 | 20.0 | 17.20 | Gambia | Nairobi (Ruaraka) | 23 Oct 2024 |
| Nepal | 314/3 | 20.0 | 15.70 | Mongolia | Hangzhou | 27 Sep 2023 |
| England | 304/2 | 20.0 | 15.20 | South Africa | Manchester | 12 Sep 2025 |
| India | 297/6 | 20.0 | 14.85 | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 12 Oct 2024 |
| Zimbabwe | 286/5 | 20.0 | 14.30 | Seychelles | Nairobi (Gym) | 19 Oct 2024 |
For England, the achievement is still monumental. From the moment Salt carved Marco Jansen’s opening deliveries to the boundary, the intent was clear. The hosts smashed 18 sixes and 30 fours, leaving the South African attack in tatters. Salt’s hundred in just 39 balls not only broke Liam Livingstone’s England record but also lit up his home ground in style.
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What was the most impressive aspect of England’s 304-run total against South Africa?
South Africa’s chase was always a formality. Aiden Markram fought briefly with 41, but Jofra Archer’s fiery 3-25 ensured the visitors folded for 158. It was their heaviest defeat in T20 internationals and England’s biggest win by runs. As Harry Brook said afterwards, “Me and Jos were stood out there and said we never thought anyone would get 300.” England proved otherwise.