Foggy conditions in Lucknow forced the abandonment of the fourth T20I between India and South Africa, leaving the series at 2-1 in India’s favour. With poor visibility proving a safety concern, no play was possible, delaying India’s chance to seal their 15th consecutive T20I series win. The decider is now scheduled for Friday in Ahmedabad, anticipates a thrilling finale.
Umpires conducted six inspections before finally calling off play at 9.26pm, with the AQI in Lucknow hovering in the hazardous 400s, making visibility and player safety the primary concern. The abandoned match adds to the longstanding challenges of hosting cricket in north Indian winters, where air quality and low visibility often disrupt play.
South Africa’s tour has been notable for its competitiveness. They blanked India 2-0 in the Tests and pushed the ODI series to a decider, narrowly losing 2-1. In T20Is, India have dominated so far with two comprehensive wins, but the fog prevented them from wrapping up the series in Lucknow.
India will take confidence from Jasprit Bumrah’s return, who was present in Lucknow after missing the last T20I for personal reasons. With the final match set in Bumrah’s hometown, India look to combine home advantage with their formidable bowling to finish the tour on a high note.
The Ahmedabad T20I is set to deliver high stakes, fast-paced cricket, and a chance for South Africa to level the series, setting up a fitting climax to an otherwise challenging but highly competitive tour.
