IND vs SA: Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium Strikes Again as Fourth T20 Abandoned Due to Fog

Lucknow: The fourth T20 match between India and South Africa at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, fell victim to nature as dense fog and poor visibility forced the game to be abandoned. For cricket fans, this was more than just a washed-out match—it marked a bizarre recurring pattern at Ekana Stadium whenever the South African team plays here.

Ekana and South Africa: A Triple Misfortune
This is the third time that matches involving South Africa at Ekana have been disrupted by unforeseen circumstances.

• April 2020: During a planned ODI series, the match was canceled at the last moment due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in India. The South African team had to remain confined in a hotel in Lucknow for several days, with all match preparations already completed.
• October 2022: Heavy rainfall threatened to wash out a scheduled ODI. Thanks to the stadium’s advanced drainage system, play was possible, but the match was reduced to 40 overs per side instead of the standard 50. India narrowly lost by 9 runs in that encounter.
• December 2025: In the ongoing T20 series, when India led 2-1, the fourth match at Ekana was abandoned due to dense fog. Player safety and limited visibility prompted the umpires to call off the game, denying fans the thrill of what could have been a decisive clash.

Series Outlook
With the fourth T20 abandoned, the series has now reached its final stage. India still leads 2-1, and the series-deciding fifth T20 will be held on 19 December at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. South Africa will look to level the series, while India aims to lift the trophy and seal their victory on neutral ground.