4th T20 between India and South Africa called-off due to dense fog

The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow was called off on Wednesday without a single ball being bowled. A dense blanket of fog and smog settled over the ground early in the evening, making playing conditions hazardous and reducing visibility to near zero. Despite a series of five inspections by the on-field umpires, the situation failed to improve, leading to the inevitable decision to abandon the match.

Fans waited patiently as officials conducted visibility tests from the pitch to the boundary ropes, but even the high-intensity floodlights could not pierce through the thick haze. South African players, who had initially attempted a warm-up, were forced back into the dressing rooms as the smog thickened. By the final inspection at 9:25 PM, and following discussions with senior BCCI official Rajiv Shukla, the contest was officially ruled out.

This abandonment serves as a significant blow to South Africa’s hopes of making a comeback in the series. India currently holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match encounter, meaning the visitors have lost the chance to take the series to a decider on even footing. South Africa must now win the final game just to draw the series.

The focus now shifts to Ahmedabad for the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Both teams and fans alike will be hoping for clearer weather conditions to ensure a proper cricketing conclusion to what has been a competitive series. With India leading, the pressure will be on the Proteas to deliver in the series finale.