as India and South Africa Set for the fourth T20I in Lucknow, the weather at the Ekana Cricket Stadium is expected to play a subtle but important role. With the series at a crucial stage, teams will be closely watching the forecast, dew factor and pitching dynamics as they refine their strategies for the Wednesday night contest on December 17.
The good news for players and fans is that there is no threat of rain for the match, ensuring uninterrupted action in the series-defining clash.
Lucknow weather forecast for IND vs SA 4th T20I
According to the weather forecast, the weather conditions in Lucknow on the day of the match are expected to remain stable during the evening and night. The weather is forecast to remain clear, with rain forecast before, during or after the game.
The temperature during the game is likely to fluctuate between 11°C and 16°C, making for cool playing conditions typical of North Indian winters. Although light winds are expected, they are unlikely to significantly affect the swing or ball movement. Moderate humidity can make the air a bit chilly, but overall conditions should be comfortable for players and spectators alike.
Importantly, no weather-related interruptions are expected, allowing teams to plan without rain interruptions or reduced overshoot uncertainty.
Dew factor at Ekana Cricket Stadium
one of the main talking points for IND vs SA 4 is the T20I dew factor. As the night progresses, most forecasts indicate the possibility of dew, especially in the second half of the match.
Dew can make the ball slide more and make it difficult for catchers to catch, especially spinners and seamers who rely on cutters. Although the Ekana Stadium remains relatively dry at times compared to other North Indian venues, winter evening games in this region generally experience enough moisture to affect the conditions.
As a result, the surface can accelerate slightly under the lights, which allows the corpses to play more freely along the line during the chase. Fielding sides may also find it difficult to control the wet ball, which increases the difficulty in the death overs.
Also READ: IND vs SA – Field Report for 4th T20I, Ekana Cricket Stadium Stats and Records
Toss Prediction: Bowl First or Bat First?
Given the expected weather and dew conditions, the pitching forecast trends point to teams opting to bowl first. Captains may look to use a relatively drier pitch in the early evening before moisture sets in later.
Bowling first allows teams to use whatever early grip is available on the surface and then rely on improved batting conditions in the chase.
Based on recent matches and pitch behavior, the par score at Ekana Stadium is predicted to fall in the range of 165-180. Batting first, teams will look to stay competitive, especially with the dew expected to help the chasing sides over 170.
Bowling units will focus on restricting the opposition through disciplined middle overs and smart variations, while the batting sides will look to quicken their innings and take advantage of any evening slippage off the pitch.
Also READ: IND vs SA, 4th T20I, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match between India and South Africa?
