Wed Dec 17 13:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The fourth T20 cricket match between India and South Africa in Lucknow was abandoned due to heavy fog, preventing even the toss from taking place. Visibility was severely limited on the field, leading to the decision after multiple inspections. Indian Vice-Captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the match due to a leg injury, potentially giving Sanju Samson an opportunity to play, which was ultimately lost due to the cancellation. India leads the 5-match series 2-1. With the match abandoned, India cannot lose the series, maintaining their record after the 2024 T20 World Cup win. However, they need to win the final match to secure the series victory. Concerns remain about Captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form, as he has struggled in recent matches.
News Article:
Fog Forces Abandonment of Fourth T20 Between India and South Africa in Lucknow
Lucknow, December 17, 2025: Dense fog descended upon the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow today, forcing the abandonment of the fourth T20 international match between India and South Africa. Umpires made the decision after multiple inspections (at 6.50 PM, 7.30 PM, 8.00 PM, 8.30 PM, 9.00 PM and 9.25 PM IST) revealed dangerously low visibility, rendering play impossible.
“The fog was so thick that the boundary line was not even visible from the pitch,” said an official statement. “Under these conditions, it was unsafe to proceed.”
Adding to India’s woes, Vice-Captain Shubman Gill was ruled out of the match due to a leg injury sustained prior to the start of the match. The injury would have opened the door for Sanju Samson to potentially make an appearance in the playing XI, but the match cancellation denied him the opportunity.
The abandonment ensures that India cannot lose the series, holding on to its record of not losing one since the 2024 T20 World Cup. The home side currently leads the five-match series 2-1. India now needs a victory in the final match to clinch the series, otherwise it will end in a 2-2 draw.
Concerns continue to grow surrounding the form of Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has struggled to find consistency with the bat. His performance in the third T20 match, where he scored just 12 runs in pursuit of a small target, has added to the pressure. Yadav is yet to score a half-century in T20s this year, and his average sits below 15.
The final T20 international will now be a crucial decider for both teams.
First Piper 