The India vs South Africa T20I series 2025 heads into its 4th T20I scheduled for December 17, 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, with India leading the five‑match series 2–1 after three games. The opening clash saw India win by a huge margin, South Africa responded strongly in the second game, and India then regained control with a comfortable 7‑wicket victory in the third T20I. With the series finely poised and the next match potentially decisive for the hosts, fans were eagerly anticipating another high‑octane encounter. Unfortunately, the 4th T20I was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to dense fog and extremely poor visibility, leaving the series status unchanged and adding pressure on both teams ahead of the final game. The abandonment sparked debate around scheduling international fixtures in northern India during winter months when dense fog and smog are common.
Live Streaming Info
Fans in India can watch the IND vs SA 4th Test live on Star Sports, and Ten Sports in Pakistan. In South Africa, SuperSport and the DStv app will broadcast the match. Match Start Time: 5:00 PST / 11:30 AM GMT / 5:30 PM IST.
Team Analysis
India entered the 4th T20I with confidence stemming from a balanced squad featuring aggressive batters, versatile all‑rounders, and a strategic bowling unit tailored for T20 cricket. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India’s batting lineup includes dynamic stroke‑makers such as Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, and Abhishek Sharma, who combine solid technique with the ability to accelerate scoring in key phases. The middle order’s ability to rotate strike and clear boundaries under pressure has been a key factor in India’s success this series.
In the bowling department, India relies on pace options like Arshdeep Singh and the experienced Jasprit Bumrah, supported by crafty spin variations from Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who have managed to contain runs and take wickets in the middle overs. India’s fielding unit has been alert and sharp, often creating pressure with athletic stops and crucial boundary saves.
South Africa, under Aiden Markram’s leadership, brings a blend of experience and fearless talent to the series. The Proteas’ batting has shown resilience, with contributions from Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, and David Miller capable of providing both stability and acceleration. South Africa’s bowling unit mixes pace and tactical variations, with Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi leading the seam attack and spinners offering balance in the middle overs. Their ability to adapt bowling plans based on conditions and opposition strengths has been evident throughout the series. While South Africa’s batting depth is a strength, occasional inconsistency against disciplined bowling attacks has been a challenge — one that they have looked to address as the series progresses.
Match Insights & Conclusion
The abandonment of the 4th T20I due to fog meant that neither batting nor bowling insights could be drawn from play on the field, but the unusual situation highlights a broader conversation about scheduling international fixtures in regions prone to poor air quality and visibility during winter months. India retained their 2–1 lead as a result of the no‑result, but South Africa remains very much in contention for the series, with momentum building towards the final clash.
Both teams will now reassess strategies and personnel ahead of the series decider, aiming to capitalize on learnings so far. Weather interruptions aside, the 2025 T20I series has so far delivered eye‑catching batting performances, disciplined bowling spells, and tactical matchups that underscore the evolving nature of T20 cricket. As the series moves to the final match, fans can expect both teams to go all out — India to seal the series on home soil, and South Africa to level the score and force a thrilling conclusion. The 4th T20I’s abandonment only adds further intrigue to what is already an engaging and unpredictable contest between two of the world’s top white‑ball sides.
