Fastest T20 Hundreds in International Cricket: Phil Salt Smashes England Record
In a sensational display of power hitting, Phil Salt made headlines by breaking the record for England’s fastest T20 International (T20I) hundred during a thrilling match against South Africa at Old Trafford. This article details of Salt’s remarkable performance, the significance of his achievement, and an updated list of the fastest hundreds in T20I history.

Phil Salt’s – Fastest T20 Hundreds in International Cricket
A Historic Performance at Old Trafford
On September 12, 2025, Phil Salt lit up the Old Trafford stadium with a blistering century, reaching his hundred in just 39 balls. This remarkable feat not only set a new benchmark for England but also surpassed the previous record held by Liam Livingstone, who achieved his hundred in 42 balls.
Salt’s performance was pivotal in setting up England’s mammoth total of 304 for 2, which stands as the third-highest team total in T20 International cricket, and the highest ever by an ICC full-member nation. He ended the match unbeaten with a stunning score of 141 runs off 60 balls, making it his highest individual score for England in T20Is.
Key Contributions to England’s Victory
Salt’s innings was a masterclass in T20 batting. He struck 15 fours and 8 sixes, showcasing an impressive blend of power and placement.
His explosive partnership with Jos Buttler, who contributed 83 runs off 30 balls, helped England reach 100 runs within the Powerplay, marking their highest-ever Powerplay score and the third-highest in T20I history.
Even after Buttler’s dismissal, Salt continued to dominate the bowling attack, sharing crucial partnerships with Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook, ultimately leading England to a record-breaking win by 146 runs.
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South Africa’s Bowling Attack
The South African bowlers had a tough day at the office, with Kagiso Rabada notably conceding 70 runs, including two no-balls—the most by a South African bowler in a T20I match. This match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams and showcased England’s batting prowess.
Phil Salt’s record-breaking century holds significance beyond just the numbers:
- Fastest T20I hundred by an England batter: 39 balls
- Third-highest team total in men’s T20Is: 304-2
- Biggest T20I win by runs for England: by 146 runs
- Most T20I centuries by an England batter: Four centuries
Fastest Centuries in T20I Cricket (Updated List)
As of September 2025, here’s the updated list of the fastest hundreds in T20 International cricket:
| Player | Balls | Match | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sahil Chauhan | 27 | Estonia vs Cyprus | Episkopi | 17 Jun 2024 |
| Muhammad Fahad | 29 | Turkey vs Bulgaria | Sofia | 12 Jul 2025 |
| Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton | 33 | Namibia vs Nepal | Kirtipur | 27 Feb 2024 |
| Sikandar Raza | 33 | Zimbabwe vs Gambia | Nairobi | 23 Oct 2024 |
| Kushal Malla | 34 | Nepal vs Mongolia | Hangzhou | 27 Sep 2023 |
| David Miller | 35 | South Africa vs Bangladesh | Potchefstroom | 29 Oct 2017 |
| Rohit Sharma | 35 | India vs Sri Lanka | Indore | 22 Dec 2017 |
| S Wickramasekara | 35 | Czech Republic vs Turkey | Ilfov County | 30 Aug 2019 |
| Abhishek Sharma | 37 | India vs England | Wankhede | 02 Feb 2025 |
| Sheikh Rasik | 37 | Hungary vs Malta | Marsa | 04 Feb 2025 |
| Priyan Pushparajan | 37 | Malta vs Estonia | Marsa | 07 May 2025 |
| Tim David | 37 | Australia vs West Indies | Basseterre | 25 Jul 2025 |
| Phil Salt | 39 | England vs South Africa | Manchester | 12 Sep 2025 |
| Johnson Charles | 39 | West Indies vs South Africa | Centurion | 26 Mar 2023 |
| K Kadowaki-Fleming | 40 | Japan vs South Korea | Sano | 15 Oct 2022 |
| Sanju Samson | 40 | India vs Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 12 Oct 2024 |
England’s Batting Revival and Future Outlook
This historic victory is more than just a series-levelling win; it serves as a powerful statement. Following a challenging period in ODI cricket and a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign, England’s batting resurgence comes at a crucial time. With a formidable lineup featuring players like Buttler, Salt, Brook, and Ben Duckett waiting in the wings, England appears well-prepared for an exciting build-up to the next T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
Phil Salt’s record-breaking century against South Africa is a landmark moment in T20 International cricket. His explosive batting not only redefined records but also reinstated England as a formidable force in the T20 format. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming T20 World Cup, Salt’s performance serves as a reminder of the thrilling possibilities that cricket offers.

Rivcky John
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