It’s crunch time in Lucknow! Team India enters the Ekana Stadium with a 2-1 win and a golden opportunity to seal the contest. five-match T20I series here, while South Africa have their backs against the wall – fighting to keep the competition alive for the final showdown.
India have all the momentum after this emphatic victory on a fast pitch in Dharamsala and cricket fans know how difficult it is to lose at home. The South African batsmen looked a little shaky against the Indian attack and if they slip 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? Expect Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav to be the main weapons, with the Lucknow pitch likely to offer some grip. If Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis can combine, India are likely to lift 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 played on a typically slow, spin-friendly pitch where free-flowing batting is difficult and totals in the region of 170 are often won.
The venue’s black dirt surface is known for its low bounce and sharp grip, making for a two-tempo track that tests the batters, especially in the early stages. Bowlers usually need time to settle before changing gears, while bowlers who rely on variations – seamers using spinners and cutters and slower deliveries – are likely to be effective during the middle overs and in the closing stages.
Also READ: Fans react as India light up Dharamsala with a clinical win over South Africa in the third T20I.
Ekana Cricket Stadium T20I Statistics and Records
- Total matches played: 9
- Matches won in first innings: 5
- Matches won in bowling: 4
- Average score in 1st innings: 151
- Average score in 2nd innings: 126
- Most recorded common: 199/2 (20 Overs) India vs Sri Lanka
- The lowest total recorded was: 99/8 (20 Overs) New Zealand vs India
- Highest Score Pursued: 159/4 (20 Overs) India Women vs South Africa Women
- Lowest score defended: 156/8 (20 Overs) Afghanistan vs West Indies
Also READ: As Hardik Pandya creates T20I history, Mahieka Sharma reacts with a touching story on social media
