Johannesburg: Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating century and Kuldeep Yadav’s five-fer, saw India thrash South Africa by 106 runs and level the three-match T20I series 1-1 at the New Wanderers here on Thursday.
India were 0-1 down prior to this win, and they desperately needed a victory and they succeeded in doing it after South Africa sent India into bat.
After two quick wickets of Shubman Gill (8) and Tilak Varma (0) in consecutive balls to spinner Keshav Maharaj, Suryakumar and Yashasvi Jaiswal stitched a 112 runs partnership for the third wicket.
While Suryakumar hammered a record-equalling T20I century, Jaiswal cracked 41-ball 60. Both exhibited some delightful shots by trusting the bouncy Wanderers pitch.
After they took India to 87/2 at the half-way mark, the duo cut loose, especially Suryakumar who displayed his 360 degree arched shots to tame the SA bowlers who looked benign.
The India captain took a liking for Andile Phehlukwayo and scored 22 runs in the 13th over, bringing up his half-century too.
Jaiswal also showed some aggressive glimpse by punishing Lizaad Williams, but he fell to left-armer Tabraiz Shamsi after being caught by Reeza Hendricks. The loss did not stop Suryakumar who continued to whack SA bowlers.