Ind-SA 4th T20I Abandoned as Fog Halts Play in Lucknow
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Lucknow
- Dec 17, 2025
- 621
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was abandoned after persistent fog rendered play impossible at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Friday evening.
The match, scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM, could not even reach the toss stage as thick fog enveloped the ground. The on-field umpires conducted six inspections over the course of the evening, but with visibility showing no signs of improvement, the officials officially called off the match at 9:30 PM.
Despite the washout, Team India continues to lead the five-match T20I series 2–1. India opened the series in commanding fashion with a 101-run victory, before South Africa responded with a 51-run win in the second match at Mullanpur. The hosts then reclaimed the advantage by securing a convincing seven-wicket win in the third T20I at Dharamsala. The series will now be decided in the fifth and final match, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on December 19.
Thousands of spectators had begun arriving at the Ekana Stadium as early as 6:00 PM, hopeful of witnessing a crucial encounter. However, after waiting for nearly three and a half hours in the stands, fans were forced to leave the venue disappointed as the dense fog refused to lift.
This incident revived memories of a similar weather disruption during the 2023 ODI World Cup, when an India–New Zealand match in Dharamsala was briefly halted due to fog. On that occasion, play resumed after a 15–20 minute interruption, and India eventually clinched a four-wicket victory.