Why is Toss Delayed for IND vs SA 4th T20I in Lucknow?

Suryakumar Yadav’s India are set to take on Aiden Markram-led South Africa in a high-stakes fourth T20I in Lucknow. This match could decide the fate of the series. With India holding a 2–1 advantage in the five-match contest, a win in this encounter would hand the hosts an unassailable lead and seal the series.

South Africa, on the other hand, must register a victory to keep the series alive and force a decider in Ahmedabad. As a result, this will be a do-or-die match for the Proteas as they look to level the series in Lucknow. Both teams have some of the most dangerous batsmen in the world which makes this a mouth-watering encounter.

Why is Toss Delayed for IND vs SA 4th T20I in Lucknow?

The clash carries added significance as it features the two of the best cricket teams in the world that even contested the most recent T20 World Cup final, with India enjoying the edge so far in the series. If India wins the series, it would mark their 14th successive T20I series win, showing their dominance in the format.

However, the IND vs SA toss delay in Lucknow is due to heavy fog, leading to a delay in the toss. Officials were scheduled to carry out the next inspection at 6:50 PM IST as conditions continue to be monitored. Match officials felt that the heavy smog could significantly affect visibility, especially for fielders tracking aerial shots, which has resulted in the delay. The time for inspection was further extended, as it will now occur at 7:30 PM IST to reassess the conditions.

The situation has once again raised questions over the BCCI Tours and Fixtures Committee’s scheduling choices, with winter fixtures in northern and eastern parts of the country increasingly facing weather-related problems.

Will Conditions Improve for IND vs SA 4th T20I?

There appears to be little chance of conditions improving, with visibility issues unlikely to be resolved even under full floodlights. Toss delay in cricket has usually happened due to rain. But here, the reason was something else. If the game is eventually abandoned because of fog, it would be a rare occasion.

While play has been interrupted in the past due to unusual factors, a complete washout at this stage would be highly uncommon. India currently holds a 2-1 lead in the series and would have wrapped up the contest with a victory in this match. Even if play does manage to begin, the surface and outfield are expected to be damp, with heavy dew likely to make bowling especially challenging.