IND vs SA 4th T20I in Lucknow: Match Time, Squads, Pitch Report & How to Watch in India

The IND vs SA 4th T20I is a series-defining clash in Lucknow, with India aiming to seal the series and South Africa fighting to stay alive. Fans across India are keen to know the exact match details and the safest, legal ways to watch the game on TV and mobile.

Match overview

India and South Africa face off in the 4th T20I on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The match will begin at 7:00 PM IST.

https://x.com/icc_schedule/status/2001177588593819896

India currently lead the five-match series 2–1. A win here will seal the series for the hosts, while South Africa must win to push the contest into a decider.

Pitch report and conditions

The Ekana Stadium pitch is known for being slightly slow, with large square boundaries. Unlike smaller grounds where 200-plus totals are common, par scores in Lucknow usually stay around 160–175.

As the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, making spinners and cutters effective. Evening matches often see some dew, which can make chasing easier and put pressure on bowlers in the death overs.

Match details

• Match: India vs South Africa, 4th T20I
• Series: South Africa tour of India 2025
• Date: Wednesday, 17 December 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)
• Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

A packed crowd is expected in Lucknow after strong ticket demand following India’s earlier wins in the series.

Series situation: what’s at stake

India have used this series to fine-tune their T20 combination and are now one win away from another home series victory.

South Africa have shown promise but are yet to deliver a complete performance with both bat and ball in the same match. This makes the Lucknow game a virtual knockout for the visitors.

• If India win: The series is sealed 3–1 with one match to spare
• If South Africa win: The series stays alive and heads toward a decider

Squads and possible playing XIs

India key players

• Batters: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh
• All-rounders: Hardik Pandya (if fit), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar
• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

South Africa key players

• Batters: Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, David Miller
• All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo
• Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj

Reports suggest India could bring Jasprit Bumrah back into the XI to strengthen the death overs, while South Africa may rethink their final-over bowling after recent struggles.

Key battles to watch

• Jaiswal vs Ngidi: Aggression versus bounce in the Powerplay
• Bumrah vs Markram/Miller: Precision bowling against experienced finishers
• Axar and Kuldeep vs Brevis: Spin control against fearless stroke play

How to watch IND vs SA 4th T20I in India

Live telecast on TV

The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. Hindi, English and select regional-language feeds will be available along with pre-match and post-match coverage.

Live streaming on mobile and web

Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers need an active subscription or a mobile, DTH, or broadband plan that includes sports access.

Some plans include OTT access as part of the bundle, which is often described as free streaming. However, there is no completely free official stream for all users. Watching via unlicensed sites is unsafe and unreliable.

FAQs

What time does the IND vs SA 4th T20I start?
The match starts at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss at 6:30 PM IST.

Where is the match being played?
The game will be played at Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

Is there any free way to watch the match in India?
The closest legal option is OTT or TV access bundled with your existing plan. Completely free open streaming is not offered officially.

Who are the captains for this series?
Suryakumar Yadav leads India, while Aiden Markram captains South Africa.

If India maintain discipline with the ball and continue to get contributions from the middle order, they will back themselves to finish the series in Lucknow. If South Africa combine a strong Powerplay with controlled death bowling, fans could be in for a thrilling finish to the series.