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.

Fastest T20 Hundreds in International Cricket: Phil Salt Smashes England Record

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:

PlayerBallsMatchVenueDate
Sahil Chauhan27Estonia vs CyprusEpiskopi17 Jun 2024
Muhammad Fahad29Turkey vs BulgariaSofia12 Jul 2025
Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton33Namibia vs NepalKirtipur27 Feb 2024
Sikandar Raza33Zimbabwe vs GambiaNairobi23 Oct 2024
Kushal Malla34Nepal vs MongoliaHangzhou27 Sep 2023
David Miller35South Africa vs BangladeshPotchefstroom29 Oct 2017
Rohit Sharma35India vs Sri LankaIndore22 Dec 2017
S Wickramasekara35Czech Republic vs TurkeyIlfov County30 Aug 2019
Abhishek Sharma37India vs EnglandWankhede02 Feb 2025
Sheikh Rasik37Hungary vs MaltaMarsa04 Feb 2025
Priyan Pushparajan37Malta vs EstoniaMarsa07 May 2025
Tim David37Australia vs West IndiesBasseterre25 Jul 2025
Phil Salt39England vs South AfricaManchester12 Sep 2025
Johnson Charles39West Indies vs South AfricaCenturion26 Mar 2023
K Kadowaki-Fleming40Japan vs South KoreaSano15 Oct 2022
Sanju Samson40India vs BangladeshHyderabad12 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

A prominent figure in sports journalism for the last two decades. Cricket Analyst & Writing News, Features, Match Previews/Reviews/Reports, And Opinion Pieces on Cricket. You can connect with him on Facebook also.