Lucknow, Dec 17 (UNI) The fourth T20 International between India and South Africa, played here, was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to excessive fog, bringing a premature end to the contest after repeated inspections by the umpires failed to yield any improvement in visibility.
Thick fog enveloped the Bharat Ratna Atal Behari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium from early evening, forcing a delay to the toss and a series of inspections beginning at 6:50 pm IST. Despite multiple checks, including visibility tests under the floodlights and assessments from the batsman’s crease to the boundary, conditions remained unsafe for play.
Umpires carried out inspections at regular intervals, with the final one taking place around 9:25 pm IST.
Officials observed worsening visibility, dew on equipment such as the buggy-cam tyres, and the pitch being kept under covers as a precaution. Broadcasters and experts on air, including former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, indicated early on that chances of starting the match were slim if conditions did not improve quickly.
At 9:25 pm IST, match officials formally called off the game, terming the decision inevitable given the persistent fog and poor visibility. Fans, who waited in hope through the evening, were informed shortly after the final inspection.
With the match abandoned, India retain their advantage in the T20I series, while South Africa now only have an opportunity to level the series in the remaining fixture to be played in Ahmedabad.
Earlier in the day, India had suffered a setback with Shubman Gill being ruled out of the match due to a foot injury, although his absence ultimately had no bearing on proceedings as play never commenced.
Foggy conditions wash out India–South Africa 4th T20I
