Between the eyes, India’s fourth T20I of the five-match series against South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium in Lucknow was abandoned due to the dense fog. The umpires delayed the toss for 20 minutes at the first inspection before continuing to push it for 30-45 minutes and finally calling it off at around 9:30 at night.

Robin Uthappa, who was part of the commentary panel for Star Sports, was baffled at the decision of the authorities by questioning what they were thinking of pushing the game back when it would only get worse by every passing hour into the night. 

See Also: Watch: Nathan Lyon becomes Australia’s 2nd leading Test wicket-taker during 3rd Ashes 2025/26 Test

“I’m actually not even listening to you because I’m so befuddled by the umpire’s decision right now. How do they think it’s going to get better as the night wears on? It’s not going to get better; it’s only going to get worse. It’s counterintuitive. What are they actually thinking, and what do they think will happen in half an hour that hasn’t happened over the last hour and a half?” Uthappa raised a question.

Robin Uthappa and Dale Steyn seek clarity for called-off IND vs SA 4th T20I

The former South Africa pacer, Dale Steyn, who was also part of the same commentary side, reckoned that they should have grabbed the umpires and asked for clarity of their decision to keep pushing back the inspections.

“It’s quite confusing that they’ve still decided to give it half an hour more. I’ve played first-class games in far worse conditions, with a lot more fog. This is way better than that. I don’t see it getting better.” Uthappa addressed.

“I was going to say I’d love to get one of the umpires. Sometimes they say there’s another inspection at 8:30, but I don’t know all the rules they’re looking at. As a player, you just play the game. It would be informative to know what they’re assessing and thinking. If they walk past again, we should grab them and ask for clarity.” Steyn added.

After more than five inspections in about 3 hours, he umpires decided to call off the 4th T20I between India and South Africa at the Bharat Ratna Sri Atal Bihari Bajpai Ekana Stadium in Lucknow Due to dense fog that issues in the visibility of the players. The fog was immense from the start of the evening that the fans standing at both ends of the field were not able to see each other.

At first, the umpires decided to delay the toss for twenty minutes at 6:50 pm. Later, they pushed back the second inspection to 7:30 pm. After three more such inspections in the ground, which were not able to satisfy the umpires, they finally decided to abandon the clash as the Indian players saw the actions taking place from the dressing room.

See Also: Watch: Alex Carey saved on human error in Snicko as controversy erupts in 3rd Ashes 2025/26 Test

It reminds the spectators of the horror story that happened in 2017 during a Test match between India and Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. That time, the visiting players wore masks and were not able to continue the game, which saw the home captain Virat Kohli declaring the innings and bowling against the Asian neighbors.

Umpires abandon IND vs SA 4th T20I in Lucknow due to dense fog

This doesn’t draw a happy picture before the other countries, and also the International Cricket Council, as India awaits nearly 50 days before hosting the T20 World Cup 2026 along with Sri Lanka. Lucknow does not host T20 matches in the evening in winter, and the decision from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the South Africa side hasn’t ended on a happy note.

Before the game, it was reported that India’s vice-captain, Shubman Gill, was not going to feature in this Lucknow game with a foot injury. He will now get another two days to fully recover and take part in the 5th T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, his home ground of the IPL.

India is currently leading the series by a 2-1 margin. This abandoned clash in Lucknow means Suryakumar Yadav has now earned 11 successive unbeaten T20I series victories since being appointed as the captain of the shortest format. 

India (IND) will take on South Africa (SA) in the 4th T20I of the five-match series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, on Wednesday, December 17. India are currently leading the series 2–1.

India will look to win this match and seal the series. They won the first T20I in Cuttack, lost the second match in New Chandigarh, but made a strong comeback in Dharamsala to regain the lead. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India has been unbeaten at the Lucknow venue, which gives them extra confidence heading into this game.

South Africa must win this match to keep the series alive. If they win this match, it enables this series to be decided in the final match at Ahmedabad. Skipper Aiden Markram and his team will be keen to put up a strong performance and avoid losing the series before the last game.

IND vs SA: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 34
  
• India Won: 20
  
• South Africa Won: 13
  
• No Result / Tied: 1

IND vs SA: Pitch Report

The pitch at the Ekana Stadium usually helps spinners and is not easy for chasing teams. Most T20I matches here have been won by teams batting first. Scoring runs in the second innings can be difficult, so the team winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

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IND vs SA: Predicted Playing XIs

India (IND):

Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Jasprit Bumrah / Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh

South Africa (SA):

Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Lutho Sipamla, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje

In a thrilling IPL 2025 game at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Rishabh Pant put on a masterclass by hitting an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls to set Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) a challenging total of 227/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The LSG captain received criticism for his inconsistent form this season but surely made up for it with an explosive innings, which included an amazing 11 fours and eight sixes. Pant hit a 54-ball century, only his second in IPL, which both helped LSG instill hope into a disappointing season and pressured RCB’s bowling depth.

Pant's celebration was almost as electric as his innings. Upon reaching the landmark, he pointed to the LSG badge, kissed his bat, and did a backflip that fired up the Ekana crowd. The animated celebration was intended to show the franchise that paid ₹27 crore for his services and also the Indian selectors a signal, as India has a full calendar coming up that includes a Test tour of England where he is vice captain. Along with Mitchell Marsh's 67 off 37, Pant's explosive innings set RCB a difficult task ahead.

RCB is currently 27/0 after 1.5 overs, with Virat Kohli and Phil Salt batting. After setting the lofty target of 228, RCB cannot afford to lose their next match since they need to win to make sure they stay in the top two and avoid the 50-50 Eliminator against Mumbai Indians. LSG has nothing to lose, and that is why they can have fun as they build a team for next year, and they have surely damaged RCB's chances by piling pressure on the RCB bowlers.

Pant’s Redemption

Pant's century brings his IPL 2025 tally to 359 runs in 14 matches, a 29.91 average, and a 152 strike rate. He is the second Indian wicketkeeper, after KL Rahul, to score two IPL centuries. Overall, his performance here today not only helped LSG show promise, but it will also be a warning to rivals that Pant's return to form means business as he prepares for the last phase of the season.

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For RCB, the pressure is on; they must overcome Pant’s heroics to keep their top-two hopes alive. This match underscores Pant’s ability to turn games single-handedly, leaving a lasting impact on IPL 2025.

The conclusion of the IPL 2025 league stage is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70 at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow. RCB are on 17 points from 13 games and have booked their spot in the playoffs. The challenge for RCB is to finish in the top two so that they can advance to Qualifier 1. LSG have already been knocked out of the playoffs and will be looking to finish with a victory to ruin RCB's run-in to the playoffs. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 21
• Batting 1st Won: 9
• Batting 2nd Won: 11
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Also Read: IPL 2025: LSG vs RCB Match 70 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

Lucknow's weather on May 27, 2025, is likely to be nice (25-30°C, 50-60% humidity) with no rain forecast. Dew will help the chasing side in the second innings, as the ball skids off the surface, and the bowler will not be able to get a decent grip on the ball. The mixed soil surface of the Ekana pitch helps seamers very early but will turn into a spin-friendly track later, so batters need to be careful with their shot selection. The conditions and the pitch could sway teams into chasing rather than batting first.

LSG vs RCB: Match preview 

LSG goes into their last match of the campaign with nothing to lose and only pride on the line, as their playoff hopes have already ended. However, they are in a position to play spoiler, especially with their home game advantage at the Ekana Stadium. LSG have struggled with consistency all season, as they have won just one of their last five matches, with their batting heavily reliant on Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant in the middle order. Although Pooran has continued to be destructive in the available middle overs, LSG has juggled with their opening and top order, with little settled momentum. Their spin department, despite the conditions, hasn’t posed consistent threats, and their pace attack, led by Avesh Khan, has lacked control at the death.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Mumbai Indians Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 69

RCB, on the other hand, are hitting the right stride at the right time, having won three out of four of their last matches, as they line up to try to secure a top-two finish. Virat Kohli continues to be in fantastic form, and Rajat Patidar has taken to the captaincy change with tactical awareness and consistent runs in the middle. If Phil Salt is called upon, this should elevate their already good top order further. The RCB bowlers—anchored by Yash Dayal's discipline and Josh Hazlewood's experience—have managed to be really economical through the middle overs of the matches they have played, where they have allowed 7.85 runs an over. Krunal Pandya's tight spin has also fit comfortably into an economy-driven approach to their bowling across matches.

As part of the IPL 2025 league stage, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 70, the last match of the league stage. RCB is in a very good position with 17 points from 13 matches and aims for a top-two finish for a direct route to Qualifier 1. A win could see them reach 19 points, guaranteeing a top-two spot. LSG is playing for pride and would like to spoil things for RCB. The mixed-soil pitch at Ekana Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, with long boundaries favoring spinners and teams likely preferring to chase.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 5
• RCB Wins: 3
• LSG Wins: 2
• No Result: 0
• Win %: RCB leads with a 60% win percentage (3/5), while LSG has a 40% win percentage (2/5)

LSG vs RCB: Significant Matches

IPL 2024, Match 15 - April 2, in Bengaluru

• LSG: 181/5 (20 Overs)
• RCB: 153/10 (19.4 Overs)
• Result: LSG won by 28 runs

LSG made 181, with Quinton de Kock's 81 (56) and Nicholas Pooran's 40* (21) driving the scoring. RCB's chase faltered despite Virat Kohli's 77 (49). RCB's middle order was blown away with Mayank Yadav's tremendous 3/14 and a superfast ball, the fastest in the 2024 IPL to date at 156.7 kmph. Naveen-ul-Haq (2/25) & Marcus Stoinis (1 wicket) supported as RCB faltered. 

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Mumbai Indians Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 69

IPL 2023, Match 43 - May 1, in Lucknow

• RCB: 126/9 (20 Overs)
• LSG: 108/10 (19.5 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 18 runs

RCB scrambled to get only 126 runs, with only Faf du Plessis scoring 44 (40). LSG couldn't sustain chasing the target; Josh Hazlewood tore through the batting in the face of pressure to take 3/25, and Karn Sharma 2/20 at the other end, with Josh able to stay down the order much longer. KL Rahul scored 31 (24), the best score for LSG as they succumbed under pressure. Josh Hazlewood took the Player of the Match for his discipline with the ball and, importantly, for taking wickets also.

IPL 2022, Eliminator - May 25, in Kolkata.

• LSG: 193/6 (20 Overs)
• RCB: 207/4 (20 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 14 runs

RCB scored a total of 207, with Rajat Patidar 112* (54) and Dinesh Karthik contributing a valuable 37* at 23. LSG made a valiant chase following on KL Rahul's back, scoring 79 (58), but Harshal Patel (1/25) and Josh Hazlewood (1/43) restricted further runs, and the best LSG could do was to make 193/10. Rajat Patidar was awarded Player of the Match.

In Match 65 of IPL 2025, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) put up an impressive display as they defeated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 42 runs. After winning the toss and batting first, the Sunrisers made a deafening total of 231/6 in 20 overs with the help of an explosive 94 not out off just 48 balls by Ishan Kishan. While the Royal Challengers made a solid start, finishing on 189 all out in 19.5 overs,. 

Sunrisers Hyderabad Innings

Ishan Kishan was the star of the batting with an outstanding 94 not out from just 48 deliveries, along with Abhishek Sharma, who scored an aggressive 34 from only 17 balls, and Aniket Verma, who thumped 26 from just 9 balls. The Royal Challengers bowlers had no way to halt the run rate with only Romario Shepherd (2/14 in 2 overs) offering a consistently economical and effective option. The Sunrisers bowled out the remaining Royal Challengers batsmen with Romario Shepherd (2/14 in 2 overs), Krunal Pandya (1/38), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/43) contributing with the ball, with consecutive deliveries going well, nevertheless going for plenty.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

Chasing a significant total, the Royal Chargers made a very good start with good scores across the bat with Phil Salt (62 off 32) and Virat Kohli (43 off 25), directionally, but there were too many wickets that fell to put pressure on it. Jitesh Sharma tried to keep the chase alive with a score of 24 from 15, but unfortunately the rest of their batting lineup didn't offer them much alarm. Pat Cummins for the Sunrisers was again a star performer with the ball, taking (3/28) from his full quota. He was ably supported by Eshan Malinga (2/37) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (1/13 in 2 overs), who ensured the Challengers fell short of the target.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025 Match 65

RCB vs SRH: Post Match Reactions

Ishan Kishan (Player of the Match): Ishan Kishan praised the good opening partnership as the basis for the result. He understood that the wicket was good for hitting and wanted to set a score over 200. He concentrated on hitting through the gaps and in his hitting area because RCB has a strong batting core and would require a big score to defend. Even with the match-winning innings, he is disappointed in himself and the team for the overall season, stressing it is important to keep learning and moving forward.

Pat Cummins (SRH Captain): Cummins was happy with the complete team performance, but a bit too late in the season. He liked the return of Nitish Kumar Reddy as a sixth bowling option and praised Kishan for his strong innings. At first, they miscalculated the pitch, thinking it was a 170 wicket, but adjusted quickly. He also mentioned Malinga's consistent and varied bowling.

Jaydev Unadkat (SRH): Unadkat called it one of the best batting wickets of the tournament. "At the end of the day, it is crucial to break their rhythm through pace variation." He credited the bowlers for their tight execution, especially in the middle overs, with Malinga's work being decisive.

Jitesh Sharma (RCB Captain): Jitesh admitted Sunrisers scored 20-30 runs more than ideal, especially due to their aggressive powerplay. He acknowledged his bowlers’ effort but felt the intensity was lacking early on. While disappointed, he viewed the loss as a learning opportunity. He also mentioned Tim David’s injury was yet to be assessed and stressed the importance of self-analysis after defeat.

Also Read: When and Where to watch Indian Test team announcement?

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers: Match Scorecard

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 231/6 (20 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru—189/9 (19.5 Overs)

As the league phase of IPL 2025 is about to come to an end, on May 23, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Match 65 at 7:30 PM IST. It will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, moved from Bengaluru due to storms/floods in South India. With 17 points already, RCB has qualified for the playoffs but is now pushing to finish in the top two in order to get an advantage in the playoffs. SRH, meanwhile, has been eliminated and will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note and take RCB's momentum. 

Ekana Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 19
• Batting 1st Won: 8
• Batting 2nd Won: 10
• No Result: 1
• Highest Total: 235/6 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total: 108 all out by Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2023
• Highest Run-chase: 199/3 in 19 overs by Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2024
• Lowest Total Defended: 126/9 by Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Lucknow Super Giants in 2023
• Average 1st Innings Score: 167

Weather and Pitch Report

The weather in Lucknow on May 23, 2025, will be pleasant (25-30 degrees with 50-60% humidity) with no rain expected. There will be dew in the second innings, and low humidity will favor teams chasing running hits as the ball slides and bowlers struggle for grip. Although early movement seamers would start well, it will progress into a spinning pitch and will need careful shot selection. 

Match preview 

RCB will enter this match with Rajat Patidar at the helm in full form. With top run-scorer Virat Kohli (505 runs in 11 matches) taking pride at the top, despite the injured Devdutt Padikkal, their will about Josh Hazlewood and Lungi Ngidi's replacement to support disciplined bowling from their seamers Yash Dayal and spin Krunal Pandya has been regulated. Phil Salt’s return may add depth to their top order; however, it may push Jacob Bethell out. RCB’s middle overs (7-16) have been restrictive, giving up just 7.85 runs per over.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs SRH Match 65 - A Head to Head breakdown

SRH has struggled with artifacts in bowling and has by far the worst away bowling in IPL 2025. The core of their batting, Heinrich Klausen and Ishan Kishan opening in place of Travis Head, will drive the batting, but to lose 23 wickets in the powerplay is indicative of how fragile this top order is. Lack of playoff stakes makes them underdogs, but their aggressive powerplay approach could challenge RCB’s bowlers early. RCB's team and being familiar with the not-quite home-like slower pitch, I will assume that RCB goes into the match as the favorite.

Match 64 of IPL 2025 will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23, 2025, at BRSABV Ekana criket stadium, Lucknow, at 7:30 PM IST. RCB is already qualified for the playoffs and is looking to finish in the top two spots for a favorable route to the IPL 2025 final, similar to their previous seasons. SRH, out of the playoffs, are playing for pride and aim to challenge RCB’s dominance at Ekana. Historically, the rivalry has been tense, with RCB's fireworks outplaying anticipation of SRH's disciplined but fine bowling.

Head-to-Head Record

• RCB Wins: 11
• SRH Wins: 13
• No Result: 1
• Total Matches: 25
• Win %: SRH leads with a 52% win percentage (13/25) against RCB.

Key Matches: RCB vs SRH

IPL 2024, Match 41 - April 25, Hyderabad

• RCB: 206/7 in 20 overs
• SRH: 171/8 in 20 overs
• Result: RCB won by 35 runs

RCB made a strong total with Virat Kohli (78) and Cameron Green (52), while their bowling attack, including Alzarri Joseph (2/31) and Yash Dayal, did not permit SRH to chase down the total while Abhishek Sharma (44) did his best. Joseph received Player of the Match for his critical breakthroughs.

Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB vs LSG Match 65 - Ekana stadium stats and preview

IPL 2023, Match 65 - May 18, Hyderabad

• RCB: 186/5 in 20 overs
• SRH: 187/2 in 19.2 overs
• Result: SRH won by 8 wickets.

RCB's Virat Kohli century (100 off 63) sat atop a tremendous total for RCB while SRH openers Abhishek Sharma (66) and Rahul Tripathi (74*) were able to chase it down easily. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/30) earned Player of the Match for controlling and limiting RCB's scoring early. 

IPL 2023, Match 36 - April 25, Bengaluru

• SRH: 134/7 in 20 overs
•  RCB: 137/2 in 16.1 overs
• Result: RCB won by 8 wickets

Faf du Plessis (62*) and Glenn Maxwell (59) chased down SRH’s total of 134 with ease after their bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj (3/22), restricted SRH's batting. Siraj was Man of the Match for his fiery spell.

In IPL 2025 Match 61, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) knocked out Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a 6-wicket win at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. LSG, who batted first after SRH had won the toss, scored 205/7, thanks to Mitchell Marsh's 65 (39) and Aiden Markram's 61 (38). Nicholas Pooran's 45 (26) was a late flourish, but SRH's bowlers, headed by Eshan Malinga (2/28), restricted the run-rate despite Harsh Dubey's costly 1/44.

SRH's pursuit was driven by Abhishek Sharma's 59 (20) off the straps early. Heinrich Klaasen (47 off 28) and Ishan Kishan (35 off 28) ensured an easy ride with a smooth finish to 206/4 in 18.2 overs. LSG's bowlers found it hard, with Digvesh Rathi (2/37) picking crucial wickets but failing to prevent the flow of runs. Will O'Rourke (1/31) and Shardul Thakur (1/39) were unable to halt SRH's run, as LSG's fielding errors and failure to pick up wickets cost them.

This defeat ruled LSG out of playoff contention, with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals competing for the last spot. SRH's dominating chase consolidated their playoff standing, reflecting their depth and pressure-handling capability in a do-or-die game. Here are the top reasons why LSG lost to SRH.

1. Ineffective Powerplay Bowling

LSG was unable to make early inroads in the powerplay while defending a large total. Abhishek Sharma's aggressive 59 of 20 balls simply took the game away in the first six overs. Lack of control and penetration amongst LSG's bowlers enabled SRH to score without any restraint and gain early momentum, making the chase that much more easier.

2. Lack of Ability to Defend a Strong Total

Bowlers for LSG were unable to sustain any of the pressure and threat throughout the innings in this game, despite posting a competitive score of 205/7. Since there was no bowler performing, particularly due to lack of aggression and attacking field placement, there was little sustained speculation. The best bowler was Digvesh Rathi, with little support from the other bowlers who ultimately could not contain Klaasen and Ishan Kishan (SRH middle order).

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 61: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Full Match Highlights

3. Lack of Bowling Depth and Injuries

LSG's all-season problem of injuries to major bowlers caught up with them again. The side did not have a consistent death bowling option and spin variety, which was taken advantage of by SRH's batsmen in the latter stages of the game. As captain Rishabh Pant concurred, lack of a settled bowling attack because of injuries impacted their game plans and execution.