Tilak Varma makes impressive No.3 audition as India claim South Africa thriller

South Africa v India, Scorecard

Young batter Tilak Varma put in a tremendous audition to be India's long-term answer at No.3 by scoring a brilliant century to lead his side's to a thrilling victory over South Africa at Centurion on Wednesday.

Varma repaid the faith shown in him by skipper Suryakumar Yadav by scoring an unbeaten 107* from just 56 deliveries as India put a big total of 219/6 on the board that proved too much for the Proteas to run down.

All-rounder Marco Jansen gave South Africa some hope when he took 26 runs from the penultimate over in the run chase, but pacer Arshdeep Singh held his nerve in the final six deliveries to ensure India moved ahead 2-1 in the four-match T20I series.

The day belonged to Varma, who stroked eight fours and seven massive sixes after asking Suryakumar if he could bat at No.3 in the contest and in the process became India's second youngest player to score a century in a men's T20I at the age of 22 years and five days.

Suryakumar, who managed just one with the bat after coming at his regular position of No.4, was full of praise for Varma after the match and suggested the right-hander will get a big chance to make that spot at first-drop his own going forward.

“What can I say about Tilak Varma? He came to me (in Gqeberha), asked me if he could bat at three,” he said.

“I said to him it was his day and to enjoy himself. I knew what he was capable of doing and very happy for him. He is batting at three going forward definitely. He asked for it, and he delivered. Very happy for his family.”

WATCH: Tilak Varma in action at the Under 19 World Cup in 2020

The contest was Varma's 19th T20I match for India and the first time the attacking batter has reached triple figures in any format having made a quartet of appearances at ODI level towards the end of last year.

The Hyderabad-born batter said it was a dream come true to complete his maiden century in such an important clash.

“I couldn't imagine, and I cannot put it down in words,” Varma said.

“It was my dream and it was the right time to score a hundred for my team. It was kind of a decider in the series. So, under the pressure, it was a good knock. All credit goes to captain Suryakumar Yadav. He has given me an opportunity (at three). Before the game, he told me (that I would bat there). I am really, really happy (he gave me that opportunity).

“I just wanted to express myself and back my basics. Even under pressure, I followed the basics and backed myself. The wicket was slightly two-paced at the start. When Abhishek (Sharma) was dismissed, it was not easy for the new batter. I was waiting for one partnership, and we were talking about that. I always believe in my basics. The team management backs every player to have a positive approach.”