Cricket fans, get ready for a blockbuster!
India head into the IND vs SA 4th T20I with a commanding 2-1 lead in the four-match series. After crushing wins in the first and third games, Suryakumar Yadav’s men have the chance to seal the trophy right here in Lucknow.
South Africa bounced back with a strong victory in the second T20I, but can they force a decider? Or will India’s spin attack and explosive batting prove too much on a slow Ekana pitch?
This IND vs SA 4th T20I preview breaks down everything you need to know – from venue records and weather to player battles and predictions. Let’s dive in!
IND vs SA 4th T20I: Match Details and Series Context
The fourth and potentially decisive T20I promises high drama as India aim to wrap up the series.
Here are the key match details in a quick table:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | 4th T20I, South Africa Tour of India 2025 |
| Date | Wednesday, December 17, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT) |
| Toss Time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow |
| Series Status | India lead 2-1 |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar app and website |
The series so far has delivered thrills. India demolished South Africa by 101 runs in the opener, the Proteas hit back with a 51-run win in the second, and India sealed a comfortable 7-wicket victory in the third on December 14.
A win here gives India an unassailable 3-1 triumph. South Africa must win to stay alive and force a final showdown.
Venue Guide: Ekana Cricket Stadium Lucknow
The Ekana Stadium is one of India’s modern cricket gems. Opened in 2017, it boasts a capacity of 50,000 and serves as the home ground for IPL franchise Lucknow Super Giants.
The stadium features excellent facilities, floodlights for night games, and a vibrant atmosphere that turns electric during international matches.
Ekana Stadium T20 Stats and Records (Primarily from IPL and Limited Internationals)
Ekana has hosted over 22 T20 matches (mostly IPL). Here’s a detailed stats table:
| Stat | Record/Details |
|---|---|
| Total T20 Matches | 22+ (IPL dominant) |
| Wins Batting First | 9 (40.91%) |
| Wins Batting Second | 12 (54.55%) – Chasing slight edge |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 165-175 |
| Highest Team Total | 235+ |
| Lowest Team Total | 124 |
| Highest Individual Score | Often KL Rahul or Nicholas Pooran in IPL |
| Best Bowling Figures | Strong spinner performances common |
Data sourced from ESPNcricinfo, HowSTAT, and AdvanceCricket.
The ground has larger square boundaries, which help bowlers control runs on the wings.
Ekana Stadium Pitch Report: Surface, Dew Factor & Toss Prediction
The Ekana pitch uses black soil – typically slow, low, and grippy. It offers turn and variable bounce, making life tough for aggressive batsmen early on.
Pacers get some movement upfront, but spinners dominate the middle overs. Scores around 160-180 are competitive, with 190+ often defendable if dew is minimal.
Recent trends show the pitch can produce both low-scoring battles and occasional high totals when batsmen settle in.
Dew Factor Impact
December nights in Lucknow bring heavy dew. The ball gets slippery in the second innings, reducing grip for bowlers – especially spinners. Fielding sides struggle with wet balls, and batting becomes easier as the innings progresses.
This often favours the chasing team dramatically.
Toss Prediction and Impact
The toss is massive! Winning captains almost always bowl first to exploit dry conditions early and chase under dew.
Historical toss impact at Ekana: Teams bowling first have a clear advantage in night games.
Expect Suryakumar Yadav or Aiden Markram to choose to field if they win the toss.
Lucknow Weather Forecast: December 17, 2025
Mid-December in Lucknow brings cool, pleasant evenings – perfect for cricket.
Expect temperatures around 23-25°C at start, dropping to 10-12°C by the end. Skies should be clear or partly cloudy with very low rain chance.
Humidity will be moderate, contributing to evening dew. Light winds, no major interruptions predicted.
A full 40-over game is almost certain.
How to Watch IND vs SA 4th T20I Live
- TV: Star Sports Network (multiple channels including Hindi, English, regional languages)
- Streaming: JioHotstar (free for select plans, subscription for full access)
Ticket Buying Guide for Ekana Stadium
International tickets usually sell via BookMyShow – the official BCCI partner for most matches.
Expected price range: ₹1,000 to ₹15,000+ depending on stands.
Sales typically start weeks ahead. Check BookMyShow cricket section or BCCI.tv for links.
Book early – India home games sell out fast!
IND vs SA Squads
India Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Suryakumar Yadav (c) | Batter |
| Shubman Gill (vc) | Top-order Batter |
| Abhishek Sharma | Batting Allrounder |
| Arshdeep Singh | Bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
| Shivam Dube | Allrounder |
| Harshit Rana | Bowler |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler |
| Hardik Pandya | Allrounder |
| Axar Patel | Allrounder |
| Sanju Samson (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Tilak Varma | Batting Allrounder |
| Varun Chakravarthy | Bowler |
| Washington Sundar | Bowling Allrounder |
South Africa Squad
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | Middle-order Batter |
| Ottneil Baartman | Bowler |
| Corbin Bosch | Allrounder |
| Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Donovan Ferreira | Allrounder |
| Reeza Hendricks | Opening Batter |
| Marco Jansen | Bowling Allrounder |
| George Linde | Allrounder |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler |
| David Miller | Middle-order Batter |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler |
| Anrich Nortje | Bowler |
| Lutho Sipamla | Bowler |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
Probable Playing XI for IND vs SA 4th T20I
India Probable XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Shubman Gill / Sanju Samson (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Tilak Varma
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube / Washington Sundar
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Arshdeep Singh
- Harshit Rana / Jasprit Bumrah (if rotated back)
Spin-heavy attack perfect for Ekana conditions.
South Africa Probable XI
- Reeza Hendricks
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Dewald Brevis
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Corbin Bosch / Donovan Ferreira
- George Linde / Keshav Maharaj
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
Balanced side with pace and spin options.
Key Players to Watch in IND vs SA 4th T20I
India
- Suryakumar Yadav → Mr. 360 continues to lead from the front with innovative strokeplay.
- Tilak Varma → Recent form: 266 runs in 9 matches at average 53.2, strike rate 120+.
- Abhishek Sharma → Powerplay destroyer: 298 runs in last 10 T20s at SR 169.31.
- Varun Chakravarthy → Mystery spinner thriving: 14 wickets in 8 games, economy 6.52.
- Arshdeep Singh → Death bowling expert.
South Africa
- Aiden Markram (c) → Needs a big one: 174 runs recent at SR 141.
- Dewald Brevis → Baby AB: Aggressive 173 runs at SR 153.
- Corbin Bosch → Breakout star: 13 wickets at economy 6.26.
- David Miller & Quinton de Kock → Experienced finishers who can change games.
Must-Watch Player Battles
- Abhishek Sharma vs Marco Jansen/Lungi Ngidi – Explosive opener against tall pacers in powerplay.
- Suryakumar Yadav vs Keshav Maharaj – 360-degree batting vs clever left-arm spin.
- David Miller vs Arshdeep Singh – Finisher vs death specialist.
- Quinton de Kock vs Varun Chakravarthy – Aggressive keeper vs mystery spin.
- Tilak Varma vs spinners – Anchor role crucial on turning track.
These battles could decide the match!
IND vs SA Head-to-Head Stats and Records
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Overall T20I H2H | India lead series historically |
| In This Series | India 2-1 (101-run win, SA 51-run win, 7-wicket win) |
| Last 5 Encounters | India won 4, South Africa won 1 |
| At Ekana Stadium | Limited international data, but home advantage strong |
India have dominated recent bilateral T20Is against South Africa.
Recent Form and Series Analysis
India Last 5 Matches
| Result | Opponent | Details |
|---|---|---|
| W | SA | 7 wickets (Dec 14, 2025) |
| L | SA | 51 runs (Dec 11) |
| W | SA | 101 runs (Dec 9) |
| NR | Australia | No result (Nov 8) |
| W | Australia | 48 runs (Nov 6) |
Strong bounce-back ability shown.
South Africa Last 5 Matches
| Result | Opponent | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L | India | 7 wickets (Dec 14) |
| W | India | 51 runs (Dec 11) |
| L | India | 101 runs (Dec 9) |
| L | Pakistan | 4 wickets (Nov 1) |
| L | Pakistan | 9 wickets (Oct 31) |
Struggling for consistency after their one win.
IND vs SA 4th T20I Match Prediction
India are clear favourites.
5 Powerful Reasons India Will Win:
- Superior spin attack (Varun, Kuldeep, Axar) perfect for Ekana’s grippy pitch.
- Better recent series form and momentum.
- Home advantage and crowd support.
- Explosive batting depth with SKY, Tilak, Abhishek in form.
- Dew factor helps chasing – likely to bowl first and control the game.
Win Probability: India 68% | South Africa 32%
South Africa can upset if their pacers fire early and Miller/de Kock explode, but India hold all the aces.
India Crush South Africa in 3rd T20I 2025.
Quick Hits About IND vs SA 4th T20I
1. When is the IND vs SA 4th T20I? Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM IST.
2. Where is the match being played? Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
3. Who is likely to win the toss and what will they choose? Toss winner almost certainly bowls first due to dew.
4. What is the pitch expected to behave like? Slow, turn-assisted, favouring spinners.
5. Where can I watch the match live in India? Star Sports (TV) and JioHotstar (streaming).
6. Who are the captains? Suryakumar Yadav (India), Aiden Markram (South Africa).
7. Is Jasprit Bumrah playing? Possible rotation – check team news closer to match.
8. Will dew play a big role? Yes, heavily in the second innings.
Final Thoughts: An Epic Clash Awaits!
The IND vs SA 4th T20I has all the ingredients for a memorable night of cricket. India look poised to seal the series with their balanced side and venue knowledge, but never count out South Africa’s fighting spirit.
Who do you think will win? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay tuned to IPL Star for more cricket updates, previews, and analysis.
India vs South Africa T20I Series 2025 Preview Guide!
FAQs About IND vs SA 4th T20I 2025
1. When is the IND vs SA 4th T20I 2025 scheduled? The India vs South Africa 4th T20I 2025 is set for Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The match starts at 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT), with the toss at 6:30 PM IST at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
2. What is the current series score in India vs South Africa T20I series 2025? India lead the four-match series 2-1. They won the first T20I by 101 runs, lost the second by 51 runs, and clinched the third by 7 wickets on December 14, 2025. A win in Lucknow will seal the series 3-1 for India.
3. Where will the IND vs SA 4th T20I be played? The match will be hosted at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, a 50,000-capacity venue known for its modern facilities and lively atmosphere.
4. What is the Ekana Stadium pitch report for IND vs SA 4th T20I? The Ekana Stadium pitch is typically black soil – slow and low with good grip for spinners. Expect variable bounce and turn in the middle overs. Competitive scores range from 160-180, with spinners like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav likely to dominate.
5. Will the dew factor play a role in IND vs SA 4th T20I Lucknow? Yes, dew is expected to be significant during this December night game. It makes the ball slippery in the second innings, reducing bowler grip and favouring the chasing side. The toss-winning captain will almost certainly bowl first.
6. What are the probable playing XI for IND vs SA 4th T20I 2025? India probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill/Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube/Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana. South Africa probable XI: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj/George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje.
7. Who is likely to win the IND vs SA 4th T20I 2025? India are strong favourites with 68% win probability, thanks to their spin-heavy attack suiting the Ekana pitch, better form, and series momentum. South Africa can upset if their pacers and middle-order fire.
8. Where to watch IND vs SA 4th T20I live streaming and TV broadcast in India? Live TV telecast on Star Sports Network (English, Hindi, and regional channels). Online live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.
9. What is the IND vs SA head-to-head record in T20Is? In recent encounters, India have dominated, winning 4 of the last 5 T20Is against South Africa. In this ongoing series, India lead 2-1 heading into the Lucknow game.
10. Which key players should fans watch in India vs South Africa 4th T20I? For India: Suryakumar Yadav (innovative batting), Tilak Varma (solid middle order), and Varun Chakravarthy (mystery spin). For South Africa: Aiden Markram (needs a big knock), David Miller (finisher), and Corbin Bosch (all-round impact).