IND vs SA: Suryakumar's ton powers India to 201/7, sets stage for thrilling finish

IND vs SA: Suryakumar Yadav's stunning fourth T20I century leads India to post a mammoth score of 201/7 against South Africa in the series finale at the Wanderers Stadium on Thursday. 'Men in Blue' need to defend 202 to level the series at 1-1.

Innings Break!

Captain @surya_14kumar ’s 100 (56) and @ybj_19’s 60 (41) steers #TeamIndia to 201/7 🙌

Over to our Bowlers now 👍#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/OpTQ1kzjWJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2023

As it happened

After winning the toss South Africa's skipper Aiden Markram invited India to bat first where India wasted no time in showcasing their aggressive intent. Debutant Nadre Burger faced the wrath of Shubman Gill, who smashed three boundaries in the very first over. Markram similarly found himself on the receiving end of Yashasvi Jaiswal's power, with two fours and a six lighting up the second over.

However, Keshav Maharaj scalped two wickets in quick succession by dismissing Gill for 12 and Tilak Varma for a golden duck, leaving India at 29/2.

Suryakumar's blazing hundred

While Yashasvi Jaiswal and skipper Suryakumar Yadav smashed a flurry of fours and sixes. Jaiswal reached his third T20I fifty in just 34 balls, while Suryakumar brought up his 18th T20I half-century in 32 deliveries. Their 50-run stand arrived in just 35 balls, and the duo marched on to a 100-run partnership in 63 balls. Tabraiz Shamsi dismissed Jaiswal on 60.

𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐘

There is no stopping @surya_14kumar!

Mr. 360 brings up his 4th T20I century in just 55 balls with 7x4 and 8x6. The captain is leading from the front!🙌🏽👌🏽https://t.co/s4JlSnBAoY #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/t3BHlTiao4

— BCCI (@BCCI) December 14, 2023

But Suryakumar held one end and reached his century in just 55 balls. His knock included seven fours and an incredible eight sixes. However, he was soon dismissed after scoring his century. 

Allround batting performace from India

With the captain back in the pavilion, Rinku Singh contributed a quick 14 before falling to Burger. However, the damage had already been done, with India comfortably placed at 188/4 in 18.3 overs. Ravindra Jadeja and Jitesh Sharma fell cheaply in the final over, but the platform laid by Jaiswal and Suryakumar ensured a formidable total of 201/7. 

Keshav Maharaj and Lizaad Williams, with two wickets each, were the only bright spots for a dull South African bowling attack.