As India and South Africa gear up for the fourth T20I in Lucknow, weather conditions are expected to play a subtle but important role at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. With the series at a decisive stage, teams will be closely monitoring the forecast, dew factor and toss dynamics as they fine-tune their strategies for the night contest on Wednesday, December 17.
The good news for players and fans is that there is no rain threat for the match, ensuring uninterrupted action in what could be a series-defining clash.
Lucknow weather forecast for IND vs SA 4th T20I
According to weather projections, the Lucknow weather on match day is expected to remain stable throughout the evening and night. Skies are forecast to stay clear, with no precipitation predicted before, during or after the game.
Temperatures during play are likely to range between 11°C and 16°C, creating cool playing conditions typical of North Indian winters. While light winds are expected, they are unlikely to significantly affect swing or ball movement. Moderate humidity may add a slight chill in the air, but overall conditions should be comfortable for both players and spectators.
Importantly, there are no weather-related disruptions anticipated, allowing teams to plan without the uncertainty of rain interruptions or reduced overs.
Dew factor at Ekana Cricket Stadium
One of the key talking points for the IND vs SA 4th T20I is the dew factor. As the night progresses, most forecasts suggest that dew is likely to settle in, especially during the latter half of the match.
Dew can make the ball skidier and more difficult for bowlers to grip, particularly spinners and seamers relying on cutters. While the Ekana Stadium has occasionally remained relatively dry compared to other North Indian venues, winter evening games in this region generally experience enough moisture to influence conditions.
As a result, the surface may quicken slightly under lights, allowing batters to play through the line more freely during the chase. Fielding sides could also find it harder to control the wet ball, increasing the challenge in the death overs.
Toss prediction: Bowl first or bat first?
Given the expected weather and dew conditions, toss prediction trends point towards teams choosing to bowl first. Captains may look to take advantage of a relatively drier pitch early in the evening before moisture sets in later on.
Bowling first allows teams to exploit any early grip available on the surface and then rely on improved batting conditions while chasing.
Based on recent matches and pitch behaviour, the par score at Ekana Stadium is projected to fall in the 165-180 range. Teams batting first will aim to push beyond 170 to stay competitive, particularly with dew expected to assist chasing sides.
Bowling units will focus on restricting the opposition through disciplined middle overs and smart variations, while batting sides will look to pace their innings and capitalize on any late-evening slickness on the outfield.
