The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to excessive fog and poor visibility on Wednesday evening.
Umpires conducted multiple inspections – reports varying from six to seven – over a three-hour wait, but conditions failed to improve sufficiently for play to commence. Even the toss could not take place, as a thick blanket of fog, combined with hazardous air quality, rendered the field unsafe.
India, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, entered the match with a 2-1 series lead after a dominant seven-wicket victory in the third T20I in Dharamsala. South Africa, under Aiden Markram, were desperate to level the series and force a decider. The abandonment means India retain their 2-1 advantage heading into the fifth and final T20I, scheduled for December 19 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The series so far has seen thrilling action: India crushed South Africa by 101 runs in the opener in Cuttack, before the Proteas bounced back with a 51-run win in the second match in New Chandigarh, powered by Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90. India’s bowlers then dismantled the visitors for a low total in Dharamsala to regain the lead.
The decision to schedule a night game in Lucknow during December has drawn criticism, with fans and experts questioning the BCCI’s fixture planning for northern venues prone to winter fog and smog. This marks a rare instance of an international T20I being called off entirely due to weather in India, disappointing spectators who braved the cold only to see no action.
Both teams will now shift focus to Ahmedabad, where clearer conditions are expected for what promises to be a series-deciding finale. India aim to extend their impressive bilateral T20I record, while South Africa look to salvage a share of the spoils on tour.
