Fog spoiled the India vs South Africa 4th T20 in Lucknow without a single ball being bowled. With India leading 2-1, the final match now holds the key to history or a dramatic comeback.
IND vs SA 4th T20I match called off due to excessive fog
Lucknow: The fourth T20 International of the five-match series between India and South Africa was abandoned due to dense fog at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The toss was scheduled for 6:30 pm, but thick mist engulfed the ground well before play could begin. Visibility continued to worsen as the evening progressed, forcing match officials to delay proceedings.
Umpires conducted five separate inspections at different intervals in an effort to assess whether conditions were safe to resume. Despite their patience and repeated checks, the fog showed no signs of clearing. After the final inspection, officials had no option but to call off the match without a single ball being bowled.
IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma faces toughest Test; Struggling record against South Africa
The abandonment means India remain firmly in control of the series, leading 2–1 with one match remaining. As a result, the home side can no longer lose the series. At minimum, India have secured a series draw, while a victory in the final match will ensure an outright series win.
The decision came as a disappointment for fans in Lucknow, many of whom had arrived in large numbers expecting a crucial encounter. However, safety concerns due to poor visibility ultimately took precedence.
Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian team will now shift its focus to the fifth and final T20, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. The match presents India with a golden opportunity to create history, as they have never defeated South Africa in a bilateral T20 series at home.
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Shine, Robin Uthappa Criticizes Gautam Gambhir
India will take confidence from their recent performances, including a dominant seven-wicket victory in the third T20 held in Dharamsala. Momentum and home advantage will be on their side heading into the series decider.
For South Africa, the equation is straightforward. The visitors must win the final match to level the series 2–2 and avoid a series defeat. Captain Aiden Markram will be hoping for a strong response from his team after the setback in the previous game.
With the series finely poised, the final T20 promises high drama. While fog denied fans a contest in Lucknow, the stage is set for an intense showdown in Ahmedabad, where the fate of the series will finally be decided.
