Johannesburg, Dec 14: India stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav brought up his fourth T20I century with his blistering knock against South Africa in the third T20I here at New Wanderers Stadium on Thursday, equalling Rohit Sharma's record of scoring the most T20I hundred in the history.

The 33-year-old brought up his hundred in 56 balls, laced with 8 sixes and 7 fours as he powered India to a big total of 201/7 against the Proteas. He was ably by the young Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored a quickfire 60 off 41 deliveries.

Also Read: South Africa Captain Aiden Markram Wins Toss, Opts To Field Against India In Final T20I

The right-hander has smashed 56 from just 36 deliveries in the second T20I at Gqeberha, which resulted in increasing his lead as the No.1 ranked batter in the shortest format of the game.

Putting India to bat first, South Africa made debutant Nadre Burger deliver the first over and he was smashed for three fours by Shubman Gill.

In the next over, Markram was launched for two fours and a six by Yashasvi Jaiswal. With India at 29/0 in two overs, it seemed that they were setting up for something big.

But in the next over, Keshav Maharaj's spin pushed India to the backfoot, removing Gill for 12, continuing his disappointing run in the shortest format. On the next ball, Tilak Varma was also dismissed for a golden duck. India was 29/2 in 2.2 overs.

However, runs kept flowing for India as Yashasvi joined forces with skipper Suryakumar Yadav and they continued hitting fours and sixes with the same positive intent.

India brought up its 50-run in 4.4 overs with the help of a massive six from Surya.

At the end of the powerplay, India was 62/2, with Jaiswal (28*) and Suryakumar (19*) unbeaten.
The duo brought up their 50-run stand in just 35 balls.

India was 87/2 in 10 overs, with Jaiswal (46*) and Suryakumar (26*) unbeaten.

After the halfway mark, Suryakumar went on a six-hitting spree, Jaiswal in meanwhile reached his third T20I fifty in just 34 balls.

Andile Phehlukwayo was at the receiving end of some brutal hitting from Suryakumar as he was smashed for three sixes and a four in the 13th over. Suryakumar reached his 18th T20I fifty in 32 balls.

Read More Sports News

Last month, Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell also matched Rohit Sharma's tally of most T20I hundreds, scoring an exceptional 47-ball century in Australia's thrilling last-ball victory against India at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. (IANS)

Argus English: Odisha's Top English News Platform | Latest Breaking News, Politics, Sports & Live TV