Du Plessis, who won the toss for the third time in a row and elected to bat, smashed 10 boundaries and three sixes during a third-wicket stand of 112 with JP Duminy.
Left-handed Duminy remained unbeaten on a 34-ball 51 that contained three fours and two sixes as South Africa put on a thrilling exhibition of power hitting in the day-night match.
The Proteas, already enjoying an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, will look for a clean sweep to make amends for the 1-4 defeat in the preceding one-day internationals.
But the hosts rested their two main players, batsman Kumar Sangakkara and fast bowler Lasith Malinga, and recalled Tillakaratne Dilshan and Suranga Lakmal.
Du Plessis and Duminy put on their century stand after opener Henry Davids had beeen dismissed off the first ball of the match, leg-before to seamer Nuwan Kulasekara.
Quinton de Kock helped his captain carry the total to 45-1 in the eighth over, before he was leg-before off Ajantha Mendis' second delivery.
Duminy hit his 100th six in Twenty20 internationals when he lofted Kulasekara over the mid-wicket fence in the 17th over.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
