India enter the fourth T20I against South Africa today with a 2-1 series lead and an opportunity to wrap up the contest, but attention remains firmly on their struggling senior batters. Captain Suryakumar Yadav is still searching for rhythm, with his trademark fluency missing despite favourable conditions in the last match. While he insists the runs are imminent, the numbers underline a prolonged lean phase that India would want resolved quickly with the T20 World Cup approaching.
Check IND vs SA 4th T20I LIVE SCORE UPDATES and full scorecard here
Shubman Gill’s issues at the top add to the uncertainty. Promoted to open, Gill has yet to look settled, and his cautious outing in the previous game did little to calm concerns about the balance of the top order.
India’s bowling, however, offers reassurance. Arshdeep Singh’s return to form and Harshit Rana’s support have strengthened the attack, while Jasprit Bumrah’s availability remains a key variable.
South Africa, inconsistent since last year’s World Cup, must win today to stay alive. With combinations still unsettled, the visitors face a decisive test of character.
India vs South Africa 4th T20I: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow pitch report
The Ekana Cricket Stadium surface typically plays on the slower side, placing a premium on patience and smart batting. Stroke-making can be difficult early on, with batters needing to focus on timing and strike rotation rather than power-hitting. As the innings wears on, the pitch tends to ease, allowing set batters to play more freely. Spinners often find assistance through grip and turn during the middle phase, while seamers using cutters and hard lengths can extract help. Evening dew can be a factor, often tilting the toss in favour of teams batting second. Scores around 150-170 are usually competitive.
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India vs South Africa: Head-to-head stats in T20Is in Lucknow
India and South Africa will play their first T20I match against each other at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday.
India T20I record at Lucknow
The Indian team has so far played three T20I matches at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. They have played against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and West Indies, and have emerged victorious on all three occasions.
South Africa T20I record in Lucknow
South Africa are yet to play a T20I match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.
Most recent T20I match in Lucknow
The last T20I match at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, was played in January 2023 between India and New Zealand. The visitors, batting first, were bundled out for just 99. In reply, India chased down the total with six wickets and one ball to spare.
Key T20I stats of Lucknow Stadium
| Statistic | Stat |
| Total Matches | 9 |
| Matches won batting first | 5 |
| Matches won bowling first | 4 |
| Average 1st innings score | 151 |
| Average 2nd innings score | 126 |
| Highest total recorded | 199/2 (20 overs) – India vs Sri Lanka |
| Lowest total recorded | 52 all out (14.5 overs) – Sikkim vs Chhattisgarh, Lucknow, 16 Oct 2022 |
| Highest score chased | 159/4 (20 overs) – South Africa Women vs India Women |
| Lowest score defended | 156/8 (20 overs) – Afghanistan vs West Indies |
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