IND vs SA 4th T20I Lucknow Fog AS IT HAPPENED: The fourth T20I between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned due to persistent fog, which severely reduced visibility under the floodlights. The toss was delayed, and umpires conducted multiple inspections throughout the evening, but conditions failed to improve.
With fog thickening and player safety becoming a concern, officials eventually called off the match. India continue to lead the five-match series 2-1, while South Africa now head to Ahmedabad with a final opportunity to level the series.

That brings an end to proceedings as the match has officially been abandoned. Understandably so, with visibility never likely to get better under the circumstances. The focus now shifts to Ahmedabad, where South Africa are left with just one opportunity - a must-win clash - if they are to draw the series level.
Supporters continue to wait anxiously as the umpires step onto the field for another round of checks, closely examining the floodlight visibility from the striker's end. With uncertainty still hanging in the air, the big question remains - will play finally get underway, or will South Africa lose the chance to push for a series turnaround if conditions refuse to improve?
We can feel you Kiran!! It's getting frustrating now!
Bhai toss to karlo 😭 sikka bhi nhi dikh ra kya😭
— Kiran Zala (@kiran_zala912) December 17, 2025
#Lucknow#INDvsSA#fog #smog #HardikPandya
Hardik Pandya is spotted wearing a mask, which speaks a lot about the degrading weather conditions and smog in Lucknow!
TWITTER HAS CHANGED THE LIKE BUTTON TO HEAVY FOG AT THE EKANA STADIUM. 🥶 LUCKNOW
— Raja bhaiya (@raja_bhaiyano1) December 17, 2025
Tap to check ♥️#INDvsSA #INDvSA ,... pic.twitter.com/PWpl3A8OCk
The BCCI have also issued their statement, that the next insepction will be at 9:25 PM IST. But will it be the final one? We still have to wait.
𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: Toss has been further delayed.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 17, 2025
The next inspection will be at 9.25 PM IST.
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/4k14nZJsfd#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/gr0PWB7vlI
The fans are very optimistic of having a match inside the stadium! But will we have a match?
Ekana Stadium, Lucknow ka scene kamaal ka hai ✨
— DAVIL (@abhaysingh147) December 17, 2025
Fog ke beech match hone ki umeed zinda hai 🤞
Poori audience ne phone ki flash on kar di 🌟
Ab bas official decision ka intezaar 🏏#INDvsSA #Lucknow #EkanaStadium #CricketFans pic.twitter.com/vOH5oCmLCP
New update coming in from Lucknow! It looks like the final inspection will be at 9:25 PM IST! If the condition doesn't improve, maybe we have to call off the match!
There are growing concerns inside the stadium now that the match might get cancelled as it has been 2:30 hrs of delay and still there are no signs of improvement.
Live report from Ekana Stadium Lucknow. India vs South Africa match likely to be called off due to fog conditions. #INDvsSA #lucknow #fog #gill #india #ekana
— Cricket Portal (@WeldFabWorld) December 17, 2025
pic.twitter.com/iHM7bUBZg8
The north of India is experiencing pretty bad AQI due to pollution. It is reported that the AQI has gone past the 400-run mark, which is actually detrimental for the people.
#India v South africa T20 #Cricket match at Ekana stadium delayed due to #fog #Lucknow #UttarPradesh pic.twitter.com/oRXH85gLvZ
— Sandeep Saxena (@sandeep662003) December 17, 2025
The conditions have gone worse with every passing minute since 6:30 PM IST.The pitch was being covered by a large cloth rug and some evidence of dew on the buggy-cam tyres has also been found, putting the fate of the game at risk. The visibility has gone bad quite drastically.
Match officials returned to the field at 8:30 PM for yet another assessment of the conditions, with senior BCCI official Rajiv Shukla also present at the venue. He was seen speaking with the umpires as they evaluated the situation. However, no call could be made after the inspection, and the wait continues, with the next review scheduled for 9:00 PM.
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the fog situation in Lucknow and which has led to the delay of the IND vs SA 4th T20I!
India head into the contest with a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, which has seen sharp momentum shifts across venues. The opening game in Cuttack on December 9 was a one-sided affair, with India piling up 175 for 6 before producing a ruthless bowling effort to dismiss South Africa for just 74, sealing a commanding 101-run win. The visitors hit back strongly in the second T20I at Mullanpur, where they posted an imposing 213 for 4 and then bowled India out for 162 to level the series with a 51-run victory.
The third match in Dharamsala once again swung in India's favour. Exploiting helpful conditions, the hosts restricted South Africa to 117 and wrapped up the chase with ease, reaching 120 for 3 in just 15.5 overs to reclaim the series lead. That performance has put India firmly in control, though conditions in Lucknow promise a different kind of challenge.
The Ekana Stadium has historically tested batters, with slow surfaces and low bounce. During the last T20I played at the venue in 2023, New Zealand were bowled out for 99, and India scraped home in a tense chase with only one ball remaining - a reminder of how tricky the ground can be under lights.
India, however, have been dealt a setback ahead of the crucial fixture. Vice-captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the final two T20Is after sustaining a toe injury during training, as reported by PTI and Cricbuzz. Sanju Samson is expected to open the innings in Gill's absence, while the team management has opted for a cautious approach to safeguard Gill's recovery.
With fog continuing to play spoilsport and inspections ongoing, both teams remain on standby. While India look to capitalise on their series advantage, South Africa face a must-win situation, needing a collective batting and bowling effort to keep the series alive.