Was the Fourth T20I Between India and South Africa Abandoned Due to Heavy Fog?
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Synopsis
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa was called off due to heavy fog, leaving fans disappointed. Umpires conducted multiple inspections but visibility issues led to cancellation. India leads the series 2-1, now looking ahead to the final match in Ahmedabad. The incident raises concerns about scheduling during peak winter in North India.
Key Takeaways
- The fourth T20I was abandoned due to fog.
- India leads the series 2-1.
- Next match is on Friday in Ahmedabad.
- Shubman Gill's fitness is under scrutiny.
- Air quality was a significant concern.
Lucknow, Dec 17 (NationPress) The fourth T20I clash between India and South Africa faced cancellation at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Wednesday as a result of dense fog causing poor visibility. Umpires Rohan Pandit and KN Ananthapadmanabhan postponed the toss and conducted several inspections, including one at 9:25 pm where they assessed the floodlights from the batter's crease, before ultimately calling off the match at 9:30 pm local time.
With no play taking place in Lucknow, much to the disappointment of numerous enthusiastic fans present at the stadium, India holds a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and is assured of retaining the trophy. Attention now shifts to the fifth and final match set to occur at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
India's vice-captain Shubman Gill will be keen to return to full fitness for Friday’s match at a venue where he has had remarkable success with the bat, including achieving his only T20I century, as well as a strong record in the IPL. However, with the opener nursing a foot injury, the possibility of Sanju Samson stepping into the playing eleven increases.
Early signs indicated a potential abandonment of this highly anticipated T20I, as the toss initially set for 6:30 pm IST was delayed to 6:50 pm. With the fog persisting, further inspections were scheduled at 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:00 pm.
During these inspections, Jasprit Bumrah participated in warm-ups, providing some relief after he missed the third T20I in Dharamsala due to personal reasons. Yet, as the fog thickened, players from both teams engaged in warm-up routines but were eventually compelled to retreat indoors, while ground staff employed a light roller on the pitch.
India’s seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya was spotted wearing a face mask, highlighting concerns regarding the hazardous air quality index, which was above 400. The fog was so dense that fans struggled to see the stands located at the opposite end.
Pandit and Ananthapadmanabhan conducted visibility checks during the 8 pm inspection—one umpire held the ball at the far end of the pitch while another moved to deep midwicket to ascertain whether the ball was visible. Once it became evident that the ball was not easily seen, another inspection was arranged.
Even as former players turned broadcasters Robin Uthappa and Dale Steyn found comfort in their studio room, a visibly troubled BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla engaged with the umpires, likely discussing the feasibility of a shortened match. Ultimately, the fog prevailed, leading match officials to call off the game.
This situation brings forth questions regarding the scheduling of the fixture. What is the peak winter season in North and Central India? For now, the familiar tagline of the City of Nawabs—‘smile, you are in Lucknow’—was overshadowed as dense fog engulfed the venue, leaving everyone disheartened.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the unpredictability of weather conditions impacting sports events. The abandonment of the fourth T20I raises questions about scheduling during winter months in North India. While fans were left disappointed, the health and safety of players must always come first. The series continues with the final match, promising excitement ahead.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the fourth T20I match abandoned?
The match was abandoned due to excessive fog leading to poor visibility, making it unsafe for play.
What was the outcome of the match?
The match did not take place, so the result remains unchanged, with India leading the series 2-1.
When is the next match scheduled?
The next and final match is scheduled for Friday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Who might replace Shubman Gill in the next match?
If Shubman Gill is unable to play due to injury, Sanju Samson is likely to step into the playing eleven.
What are the air quality concerns in Lucknow?
The air quality index was reported to be above 400, indicating hazardous conditions during the fog.
