India stands on the cusp of a series victory as they gear up to face South Africa in the fourth T20 International at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. With a commanding performance in the previous match, the Men in Blue will aim to seal the five-match series with a game to spare.
Match Context and Team Momentum
The Indian bowling unit delivered a masterclass in the third T20I, dismantling the South African batting lineup for a mere 117 runs. The attack fired in unison, with Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Harshit Rana each claiming two wickets. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube chipped in with one wicket apiece, showcasing a balanced and potent bowling attack.
India is likely to field an unchanged playing eleven from the Dharamsala clash. The squad continues to miss the services of Axar Patel, who is out of the series due to illness. The availability of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah remains uncertain after he left the squad ahead of the third match to attend to a personal matter.
Ekana Stadium Pitch and Conditions Analysis
The surface at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow presents an intriguing challenge. Known for its slow and turning nature during the Indian Premier League, aiding the home team Lucknow Super Giants, the pitch for this international fixture is expected to be more sporting.
The pitch is likely to offer initial assistance to both batters and pace bowlers before gradually slowing down as the match progresses. This shift in character should bring the spinners into the game during the middle and later overs. Given the time of year, dew is anticipated to be a significant factor in the evening. Consequently, the captain winning the toss will have a strong incentive to bowl first and let the opposition set a target while the ball is dry and easier to grip.
Lucknow Weather and Air Quality Forecast
According to the latest forecast from AccuWeather, match-day temperatures in Lucknow will see a gradual drop. The mercury is expected to hover around 18°C to 21°C during the daytime, falling to approximately 12°C by the evening. The conditions are predicted to be hazy throughout the day.
Furthermore, the air quality in Lucknow is forecast to remain in the 'unhealthy' range, a common concern across several northern Indian cities during the winter months. Players and spectators should be prepared for these conditions.
Squad Details for the Crucial Clash
India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Shahbaz Ahmed, Jitesh Sharma (w), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana.
South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock (w), Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Reeza Hendricks, Ottneil Baartman, Donovan Ferreira, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde.
With the series on the line, all eyes will be on Lucknow as India seeks a decisive victory, while South Africa fights to keep the contest alive. The pitch behavior and evening dew will play pivotal roles in the strategies both captains employ.
