IND vs SA 4th T20I, Lucknow (Dec 17, 2025): Match Abandoned Due to Fog — Series Stays 2–1
The India vs South Africa 4th T20I (Dec 17, 2025) in Lucknow was abandoned due to dense fog and poor visibility. No toss was possible and not a single ball was bowled, leaving the series situation unchanged at 2–1 in India’s favour with just the final T20I remaining.
For Indian cricket fans, this match carries enormous significance. India is the defending T20 World Cup champion, and this series against South Africa—the only team that has seriously challenged India’s dominance—serves as the perfect preparation before the World Cup. At the iconic Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, both teams will battle fiercely in an evening match at 7:00 PM IST, where high-quality T20 cricket is guaranteed.
What Happened in Lucknow (4th T20I)
Dense fog and poor visibility forced the match to be abandoned after multiple inspections. With no toss and no play, the series remains 2–1 to India going into the final T20I.
Table of Contents
Why This 4th T20 Match Matters: Series Context
Understanding the Series Stakes
The India vs South Africa 4th T20 is not just about winning one match. Here’s why it’s critical for both teams:
Current Series Status (After 3 Matches):
| Match | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Dec 9 | Cuttack (Barabati) | India | 175/6 beat SA 74 (by 101 runs) |
| 2nd T20I | Dec 11 | Chandigarh (Mullanpur) | South Africa | 213/4 beat India 162 (by 51 runs) |
| 3rd T20I | Dec 14 | Dharamshala (HPCA) | India | 120/3 beat SA 117 (by 7 wickets) |
| 4th T20I | Dec 17 | Lucknow (Ekana) | Abandoned (No Result) | Fog, no toss, no play |
| 5th T20I | Dec 19 | Ahmedabad (Motera) | TBD | TBD |
Series Implications:
- If India wins 5th T20I: India win the series 3–1 (one match NR).
- If South Africa wins 5th T20I: Series ends 2–2 (drawn) because the 4th was NR.
This is why the 4th T20I is essentially a semi-final for both teams.
Match Details: Everything You Need to Know
India vs South Africa 4th T20I – Full Details
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | India vs South Africa |
| Date | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST (Evening Match) |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Format | T20 International (20 overs per side) |
| Toss | No toss |
| Series Status | India leads 2-1 in 5-match series |
| Broadcast | Live on JioCinema, Sports18, DD Sports |
| Stadium Capacity | 50,000 (one of India’s premier venues) |
Ekana Stadium: The Venue
The Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is one of India’s most modern cricket grounds, built in 2023-2024. For the India vs South Africa 4th T20:
Pitch Characteristics:
- Nature: Black soil pitch with moderate bounce
- Type: Bowler-friendly surface, especially favoring spinners
- T20 Average Scores: 165-190 runs in first innings
- Highest T20 Total: 195+ (India’s Rohit Sharma century was a masterclass)
- Dew Factor: Significant dew in evening matches helps chasing teams
What This Means for the Match:
The Lucknow pitch is NOT a batsman’s paradise like some other Indian venues. Instead, it rewards good bowling and varied skill sets. Spinners like Varun Chakravarthy (India) and Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) will have crucial roles. Chasing is advantageous because the dew in the evening makes the match ball slippery, making it harder for bowlers to get a grip.
India’s Squad & Key Players Analysis
India’s Playing XI (Expected)
Based on recent form and squad announcements, India’s likely 11 for the 4th T20I in Lucknow will be:
Batting Order:
- Abhishek Sharma (Opening batsman)
- Shubman Gill (Vice-captain, Opening)
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Tilak Varma (Middle-order)
- Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
- Shivam Dube (All-rounder/finisher)
- Sanju Samson (Wicket-keeper)
- Axar Patel (Spin all-rounder)
- Varun Chakravarthy (Spinner)
- Arshdeep Singh (Pace bowler)
- Harshit Rana/Kuldeep Yadav (Pacer/Spinner)
Key Players to Watch for India
Abhishek Sharma – The Form Player
After a disappointing start to the series, Abhishek finally found form in the 3rd T20I with a brilliant 35 off 18 balls. In the 4th T20I, watch for:
- Aggressive approach: He’s the aggressive opener who sets the tone
- Against South Africa: Has shown he can take on quality pace bowling
- Expected role: Powerplay acceleration to put early pressure on SA bowling
- Recent form: Trending upwards—exactly what India needs in this crucial match
If Abhishek scores 30+, India will be in a strong position.
Shubman Gill – The Vice-Captain’s Redemption
Shubman Gill’s journey in this series:
- 1st T20I: 0 runs (failed first chance)
- 2nd T20I: 5 runs (continued struggle)
- 3rd T20I: 28 runs (finally contributed)
The 4th T20I is crucial for Shubman’s confidence heading into the World Cup. At Lucknow’s spin-friendly pitch, he needs to:
- Bat with patience against spinners
- Build partnerships rather than chasing quick runs
- Score at least 25-30 runs to prove he’s back to form
For India’s success, Gill needs to provide stability in the opening partnership.
Varun Chakravarthy – The Wicket-Taking Spinner
In the 3rd T20I, Varun took 2/11 and recorded his 50th T20I wicket—a milestone performance. At Ekana’s spin-friendly pitch, Varun will be:
- Dangerous in middle overs (8-15) where spinners rule
- Expected to play 3-4 overs in a crucial match
- Key to restricting South Africa’s acceleration
If Varun executes his variations, India’s bowling will be nearly unbeatable.
Hardik Pandya – The Balance Player
Hardik’s role is crucial:
- Bowling: With Jasprit Bumrah potentially unavailable (personal reasons), Hardik’s pace and variations are critical
- Batting: Can provide crucial 10-15 run cameos in death overs
- Experience: Has won multiple big tournaments, bringing leadership experience
South Africa’s Squad & Strategy Analysis
South Africa’s Expected Playing XI
South Africa will aim to win the 4th T20I in Lucknow to keep the series alive. They’re likely 11.
Batting Order:
- Reeza Hendricks (Opening)
- Quinton de Kock (Wicket-keeper)
- Aiden Markram (Captain)
- Dewald Brevis (Middle-order)
- David Miller (Middle-order/All-rounder)
- Donovan Ferreira (Batting all-rounder)
- Marco Jansen (Bowling all-rounder)
- George Linde (Spinner)
- Anrich Nortje (Pace bowler)
- Lungi Ngidi (Pace bowler)
- Keshav Maharaj (Left-arm spinner)
South Africa’s Tactical Challenge
After collapsing to 117 all out in the 3rd T20I, South Africa faces critical questions:
Batting Concerns:
- Powerplay collapses: Lost early wickets in first 6 overs of 3rd T20I
- Middle-order fragility: No one except Aiden Markram (61 in 3rd T20I) stepped up
- Lucknow’s pitch: Being spin-friendly will trouble SA’s aggressive approach
- Must-win mentality: Desperation can either unite or fracture a team
Bowling Strength:
- Anrich Nortje: World-class pacer who can bowl with consistent pace
- Keshav Maharaj: Experienced left-arm spinner perfect for Indian conditions
- Marco Jansen: All-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball
South Africa’s Strategy for Lucknow:
South Africa must:
- Bat first and build a large total (170+) to defend at Lucknow
- Restrict India in powerplay before dew arrives
- Use spinners effectively to take middle-order wickets
- Avoid another batting collapse that defines their series performance
Head-to-Head Record: India vs South Africa in T20
Overall T20I Record (Lifetime):
| Statistic | India | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Total T20Is | Won 15 | Won 12 |
| Win Percentage | 56% | 44% |
| Home T20Is | Won 10/14 | Won 2/14 |
| Average First Innings Score | 167 | 158 |
Key Statistics:
- India’s strength: Consistent home performance (71% win rate at home)
- SA’s strength: Explosive individual performances but lack consistency
- Recent trend: India dominates; last 5 T20Is between them show India 4, SA 1
Why India is Favoured:
The 2-1 series lead gives India a psychological advantage heading into the 4th T20I. India knows one more win seals the series, allowing them to play with freedom, while South Africa must play with desperation.
India vs South Africa 4th T20 Prediction
Expert Match Analysis & Verdict
After analysing pitch conditions, team form, player statistics, and series context, here’s the detailed prediction for the 4th T20I in Lucknow on December 17:
Factors Favouring India:
- Series Lead Advantage: 2-1 up; playing with less pressure
- Home Ground: Ekana Stadium favors Indian bowling attack (spinners)
- Form Trend: Tilak Varma and Abhishek Sharma finding form at right time
- Bowling Depth: With spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, India’s middle-overs bowling is world-class
- Recent T20 Head-to-Head: Won 4 of last 5 matches against SA
- Dew Factor: Chasing advantage in evening matches suits Indian team structure
Factors Favouring South Africa:
- Desperation Factor: Must-win situation often brings fierce competitive edge
- Batting Aggression: Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock can score big in favorable conditions
- Pacer Quality: Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi are world-class fast bowlers
- Series Comeback: Won 2nd T20I convincingly (51-run victory), showing they can produce complete performances
- Fresh Strategies: Having lost 3rd T20I, SA will make tactical adjustments for 4th T20I
Final Prediction: India to win by 13 runs
Prediction Details:
Expected India Score (If Batting First): 168/7
- Opening Partnership (Abhishek + Gill): 50-55 runs in first 6 overs
- Tilak Varma: 35-38 runs (anchor in middle overs)
- Suryakumar Yadav: 20-25 runs (captain’s contribution)
- Hardik Pandya/Shivam Dube: 18-22 runs combined (death overs acceleration)
- Key Moment: Strong powerplay + solid middle overs = competitive total on Lucknow’s pitch
Expected South Africa Score (Chasing): 155/8
- Quinton de Kock: 32-36 runs (trying to lead chase)
- Aiden Markram: 28-32 runs (captain’s responsibility)
- David Miller: 18-22 runs (late-innings contribution)
- Result: Fall short by 13 runs due to India’s effective middle-overs bowling
Player of the Match: Varun Chakravarthy (India) – 2/26 in 4 overs, crucial spell in overs 10-14
Confidence Level: 66% for India (meaning 34% for South Africa upset)
Why India Will Win:
- Home advantage at Lucknow where spinners dominate
- Series lead psychology gives India mental edge
- Varun Chakravarthy’s form (2/11 in 3rd T20I) suggests peak performance
- South Africa’s batting fragility in 3rd T20I (117 all out) indicates batting structure issues
What’s at Stake: The Bigger Picture
For India
- Series Victory: Win this match, and the series sealed 3-1
- World Cup Preparation: Heading to World Cup 2026 with series win boosts confidence
- Player Form: Suryakumar (needs runs), Shubman Gill (gaining confidence) getting crucial match experience
- Bowling Variations: Testing different bowling combinations for World Cup planning
For South Africa
- Survival: Lose this match, and the series is mathematically lost
- Morale Factor: Must-win situation creates desperation that can either inspire or break a team
- World Cup Readiness: South Africa also preparing for World Cup; series loss affects tournament planning
- Batting Confidence: After 117 all out in 3rd T20I, SA needs redemption through good batting performance
Key Differences from Previous Matches
How the 4th T20I Will Be Different
Venue Change Impact:
| Aspect | Dharamshala (3rd T20I) | Lucknow (4th T20I) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch Nature | Pace & bounce friendly | Spinner-friendly |
| Average Score | 140-160 (lower) | 165-190 (higher) |
| Spin Impact | Minimal | High (spinners dominate overs 8-15) |
| Dew Factor | Minimal (mountain venue) | Significant (helps chasing team) |
| Power Hitting | Rewarded | Risky (slow pitch doesn’t come on) |
The shift from Dharamshala to Lucknow fundamentally changes match dynamics. At Lucknow:
- Aggressive batting becomes risky (slow pitch doesn’t help slogging)
- Spin bowling becomes essential (slower wickets suit finger spinners)
- Chasing becomes advantageous (dew assists chasing team immensely)
This venue change could favour South Africa if they bat first and score 170+, then rely on spinners to restrict India’s chase.
Research & Sources
This comprehensive analysis is based on:
- Official BCCI match schedules and announcements (December 2025)
- ESPN CricInfo live coverage and statistics from first 3 matches
- Pitch reports from Ekana Stadium (Lucknow Cricket Stadium database)
- Player performance statistics from T20I international records
- Team composition data from official squad announcements
- Head-to-head cricket records compiled from Cricket World and ESPN databases
- Expert analysis from sports journalists covering the series live
All information is current as of December 14, 2025, 11:55 PM IST.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can India seal the series with a win in the 4th T20I?
Yes, absolutely. If India wins the 4th T20I in Lucknow on December 17, they will lead 3-1 in the 5-match series. At that point, even if South Africa wins the 5th T20I, India still wins the overall series 3-2. This is why the 4th T20I is essentially a series-decider for India. Conversely, if South Africa wins, the series becomes 2-2, and the 5th T20I in Ahmedabad becomes a one-off decider.
Why is Lucknow’s pitch considered “spinner-friendly”?
The Ekana Stadium pitch in Lucknow is built on black soil with moderate bounce and a relatively slow surface. This means:
Fast bowlers: Ball doesn’t come on to the bat quickly; pace bowlers struggle to get pace off the pitch
Spinners: Slower pitch allows spinners to grip the ball more, making variations more effective
Batters: Can’t rely on short-pitch shots; need solid technique to score runs
This is opposite to batting-friendly venues like Pune or Mumbai, where batters can hit freely. At Lucknow, spinners dominate the middle overs (8-15), making teams like India (with Varun, Axar, and Kuldeep) stronger on this pitch.
Is Shubman Gill back to form before the World Cup?
Shubman’s form is improving but not yet established. His scores in the series: 0, 5, 28. The 28 in the 3rd T20I is encouraging because it shows he can construct an innings, but it’s not a big score. For the 4th T20I, he needs to score 35+ to prove he’s truly back. The World Cup is 2 months away, giving him time to regain form, but he’s running out of opportunities in this series. A big knock in Lucknow would restore confidence heading into World Cup preparation.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play in the 4th T20I?
This is uncertain. Bumrah is reportedly unavailable due to personal reasons. The BCCI hasn’t confirmed if he’ll return for the 4th T20I. However, India’s bowling performed exceptionally without him in the 3rd T20I (Varun 2/11, Arshdeep 2/13), suggesting the team has depth. If Bumrah is available, India becomes even more formidable. If he’s not, Harshit Rana or Kuldeep Yadav will step in, and they’re capable players.
Can India seal the series with a win in the 4th T20I?
No — the 4th T20I was abandoned due to fog (no result). India still lead 2–1, and the series outcome depends on the 5th T20I.
What does the abandoned match mean for the series?
If India win the 5th T20I, they take the series 3–1 (with one NR). If South Africa win, the series finishes 2–2 (drawn).
Your Game Plan: What to Do Now
Don’t miss the India vs South Africa 4th T20I on December 17, 2025. Here’s your complete action plan:
- Mark Your Calendar: Wednesday, December 17 | 7:00 PM IST | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
- Plan Your Viewing:
- Pre-match analysis: Watch 30 minutes before (6:30 PM) for toss and team news
- Live streaming: JioCinema, Sports18, DD Sports
- With family/friends: Gather together for the crucial series match
- Fantasy Cricket Strategy:
- Top Batters to Pick: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Tilak Varma
- All-rounders: Hardik Pandya, Marco Jansen, Shivam Dube
- Key Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj
- Set Betting Reminders: If you’re using cricket betting platforms (like Lotus365 Win), set reminders for:
- Live odds updates 30 minutes before match
- In-play betting opportunities during match
- Post-match result confirmation for withdrawal
- Track Your Predictions: Post your match prediction on social media—who will win, and who will be player of the match?
- Stay Updated: Follow live commentary on:
- ESPN CricInfo
- Cricket World
- Official BCCI channels
- Lotus365
- Reddy anna club
This 4th T20I is the match that defines the entire series. India can seal it with a win, while South Africa must win to keep hope alive. The December 17 evening at Lucknow promises edge-of-the-seat cricket, with world-class players, crucial stakes, and unpredictable moments.
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Final Takeaway
The India vs South Africa 4th T20I on December 17, 2025, at the iconic Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is a must-watch cricket event. With India leading 2-1 and looking to seal the series, and South Africa fighting for survival, the atmosphere, cricket quality, and competitive intensity will be at an all-time high.
The Lucknow pitch will reward good bowling and solid batting. Spinners like Varun Chakravarthy will be crucial, while aggressive openers like Abhishek Sharma need to set the tone. Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy and form, Shubman Gill’s redemption story, and South Africa’s desperation create a perfectly balanced contest.
Whether you’re a fantasy cricket enthusiast, a casual cricket fan, or someone who loves high-stakes sports, the 4th T20I is essential viewing. This match could determine series victory, World Cup preparation momentum, and individual player confidence heading into the final T20I in Ahmedabad.
Your move: be there on December 17 at 7:00 PM IST to witness what could be one of the series-defining moments of India vs South Africa T20I cricket!
