The fourth IND vs SA T20I International match was abandoned without any deliveries being bowled as the thick fog made it difficult to see from the pitch of the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Even after several inspections by the umpires on the field, there was no improvement and the match was eventually abandoned at 9:26 pm local time.
IND vs SA T20I: Inspections and Appearance by Umpires
Although the Air Quality Index in Lucknow was ranging from the early to mid-400s, which fell under the ‘hazardous’ category, it was the visibility factor that was of major concern to the match officials.
While making the inspection, one of the umpires placed himself at the boundary of the square to see if he could spot the white ball kept close to the pitch from there. However, after the sixth inspection, the officials had to abandon the match.
India Hold Series Advantage
As a result of the abandoned match, India maintain their lead in the five-match T20I series, with a current haul of 2-1, in the IND vs SA T20I series. This also means that India maintain their unbeaten record in bilateral T20I series, thereby extending it to a remarkable 15.
Conditions during Northern India Winters under Examination
The winter months and cricket in northern India have long been a debating issue, not only because of the fog but also the deteriorating quality of air. The BCCI has in the past tweaked the timings to stay clear of the periods when air quality deteriorates more severely post-Diwali.
Series Decider Set for Ahmedabad
The fifth and final IND vs SA T20 match is set to be held in Ahmedabad on Friday, where the outcome of the series will be decided. It is also expected to provide better playing conditions to have a fair chance of competing in the match.
Bumrah’s Back Will Boost Indian
India got a much-needed boost as Jasprit Bumrah is back with the team in Lucknow after sitting out the last match due to some personal reasons. The final encounter is also going to be special as it is to be played in Bumrah’s hometown.
Embarking on their third major series of the year, the The Indian leg of the South Africa tour concludes with the T20 series that is currently taking place in Ahmedabad.
The tourists were highly successful earlier, securing the Test series convincingly by 2-0 and taking the ODI series to the deciding match, which the Indians won by 2-1. The T20 series, however, has seen the Indians perform strongly, and they currently lead by 2-1.
ALSO READ: PBKS Full Squad, IPL 2026: Complete List Of Players Bought By Punjab Kings
