What was meant to be a high-voltage fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow ended without a ball being bowled, as extreme fog forced the match to be abandoned at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Despite a buzzing atmosphere and the pitch report already completed, spectators were eventually asked to return home after conditions failed to improve.
Fog emerged as the major concern for players and match officials, even though there was no rain at the venue. The toss, scheduled for 6:30 pm IST, was postponed as visibility continued to deteriorate. Umpires conducted six inspections at intervals of 30 minutes in hopes of a turnaround. The final inspection at 9:25 pm IST proved decisive, with officials ruling that excessive fog made play unsafe, leading to the abandonment of the match.
Foggy and cold conditions are common in Northern India at this time of year, but the washout is expected to raise questions about scheduling and planning by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI). Interestingly, weather did not affect the third T20I in Dharamsala, highlighting the unpredictable nature of winter conditions across venues.
Ahead of the match, India also received an update from their camp, with Shubman Gill ruled out of the fourth T20I after injuring his toe during a practice session. The Indian Test and ODI skipper was not part of the playing XI, and Sanju Samson was expected to open the innings alongside Abhishek Sharma. However, the abandonment means Samson will have to wait longer for his opportunity.
The abandoned match impacted South Africa more than India. The visitors are now trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, with only one game remaining. At best, the Proteas can level the series, but that challenge will not be easy at Ahmedabad, where the final T20I will be played.
Dew could play a crucial role in the decider, with both teams hoping for similar conditions across both innings. Uneven dew often makes bowling difficult in the second innings, especially for spinners struggling to grip the ball.
India have not lost a bilateral T20I series to South Africa since 2015, and history is in their favour. South Africa, though competitive, have struggled with batting consistency, including in the previous match at Dharamsala. Frequent changes in their playing XI under captain Aiden Markram have also affected team balance, despite the understandable urge to experiment with the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching.
The fifth and final T20I will be played on December 19 in Ahmedabad. After the series, India will shift focus to their white-ball tour of New Zealand, beginning with the first ODI on January 11.
