It’s crunch time in Lucknow! Team India walks into the Ekana Stadium with a 2-1 lead and a golden opportunity to wrap up the five-match T20I series right here, while South Africa have their backs against the wall – fighting to keep the contest alive for a final showdown.

India have all the momentum after that gritty win on a fast pitch in Dharamsala, and cricket enthusiasts know how tough they are to beat at home. South African batters have looked a bit shaky against India’s attack, and if they slip up again on Wednesday (December 17), the series is over. The big question is: Can they handle Arshdeep’s swing and Hardik’s all-round game?  With the Lucknow pitch likely to offer some grip, expect Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav to be the key weapons. If they can tie down Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis, India will likely be lifting the trophy at Ekana.

Ekana Cricket Stadium Pitch Report

The fourth T20I between India and South Africa at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is expected to be contested on a typically slow, spin-assisting pitch where free-flowing stroke play is challenging and totals in the region of 170 are often match-winning.

The venue’s black-soil surface is known for its low bounce and sharp grip, creating a two-paced track that tests batters, particularly in the early stages. Players usually need time to settle before shifting gears, while bowlers who rely on variations – spinners and seamers using cutters and slower deliveries – are likely to be effective during the middle overs and in the closing stages.

Also READ: Fans react as India lights up Dharamsala with clinical win over South Africa in the third T20I

Ekana Cricket Stadium T20I Stats and Records

• Total matches played: 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) by India vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest total recorded: 99/8 (20 Overs) by New Zealand vs India
• Highest score chased: 159/4 (20 Overs) by South Africa Women vs India Women
• Lowest score defended: 156/8 (20 Overs) by Afghanistan vs West Indies

Also READ: Mahieka Sharma reacts with a touching story on social media as Hardik Pandya creates T20I history

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