India vs South Africa — 4th T20I: Preview, Toss & Where to Watch
📅 Match Overview
The 4th T20 International between India and South Africa is set to take place today, Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The match starts at 7:00 PM IST, with the toss expected around 6:30 PM IST.
India currently leads the five-match T20I series 2–1 and will be looking to seal the series with a win today. A South African victory would keep the contest alive and set up a thrilling series finale.
🏏 Where to Watch: TV & Streaming
Here’s how fans can catch all the action live:
📺 Television
- Star Sports Network will broadcast the match live across TV channels in India.
📱 Live Streaming
- JioHotstar app and website will have the live stream, accessible via subscription for viewers in India.
🎙️ Toss & Match Timing
- Toss Time: ~ 6:30 PM IST
- Match Start: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Ekana Stadium, Lucknow
The toss will determine who bats first on what is expected to be a balanced pitch—offering some early help to bowlers before becoming good for batting later on.
📊 Series Context & Key Battles
India leads the series 2–1 after strong performances, including a convincing win in the third T20I. South Africa bounced back in the second game but now face pressure to level the series.
Some key stats and points to watch:
- India has a stronger head-to-head record in T20Is against South Africa overall.
- India will look to key players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and all-round options such as Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube to deliver big performances.
- South Africa’s hopes rest heavily on Quinton de Kock and seasoned bowlers like Anrich Nortje to make early inroads.
This match also serves as an important tune-up and experiment ground for both sides ahead of the upcoming global T20 events, giving exposure to bench players and combinations.
🔥 Pitch & Conditions
The Ekana Stadium pitch in Lucknow usually supports a fair contest between bat and ball. Early movement might assist the bowlers, while batters can also get set and post competitive totals as the innings progresses.
🏆 What’s at Stake
- India: A victory today would give them a 3–1 series lead, leaving just one match to celebrate a series win.
- South Africa: They must win to force a decider in the 5th T20I.
Expect a high-intensity encounter under lights with both teams eager to finish strong. Fans around the world will tune in to see if India can wrap up the series or if South Africa drags it to the final match.
If you want live updates, playing XI predictions, or toss results later, just ask!
🏏 Predicted Playing XIs
🇮🇳 India – Probable XI
- Abhishek Sharma – Explosive left-hander and one of India’s in-form T20 batters this year.
- Shubman Gill – Vice-captain and top-order anchor (if fully fit).
- Suryakumar Yadav (c) – Captain and pivotal middle-order batter, looking to find big runs.
- Tilak Varma – Stylish batter who’s been consistent and good at rotating strike.
- Jitesh Sharma (wk) – Wicketkeeper and middle-order power-hitter.
- Hardik Pandya – All-rounder who can change the game with bat and ball.
- Shivam Dube – Big-hitter and bowling option if needed.
- Harshit Rana – Pace bowling option for middle overs.
- Arshdeep Singh – Strike pacer with good new-ball skills.
- Jasprit Bumrah – If available, India’s key death-overs specialist. His status was uncertain but he’s hopeful for today’s game.
- Varun Chakravarthy – India’s top T20I bowler and spin threat.
📌 Note: Axar Patel is out of the series; Shahbaz Ahmed is in the squad but may miss the final XI as team balance favors a specialist spin lineup.
🇿🇦 South Africa – Probable XI
- Reeza Hendricks – Opener trying to find form.
- Quinton de Kock (wk) – South Africa’s main run-scorer at the top.
- Aiden Markram (c) – Captain and experienced middle-order batter.
- Dewald Brevis – Young batting talent with big-hitting ability.
- David Miller – Finisher with huge T20 experience.
- Donovan Ferreira – Middle-order power hitter.
- Marco Jansen – Tall pace bowler and useful with the bat lower down.
- Corbin Bosch – All-round bowling option.
- Lungi Ngidi – Lead pace option with wicket-taking ability.
- Ottneil Baartman – Pace bowler for death overs.
- Keshav Maharaj (possible pick) – Spin option depending on conditions.
⭐ Key Players to Watch
🔵 India
- Suryakumar Yadav (C) – Needs to fire with the bat for India’s middle order under pressure.
- Abhishek Sharma – Exceptional form in T20s and a big threat early.
- Varun Chakravarthy – Leading bowler in the series, crucial in middle overs.
- Arshdeep Singh – Key for early breakthroughs with the new ball.
- Jasprit Bumrah – If he plays, his death bowling can be decisive.
🟡 South Africa
- Quinton de Kock – Anchoring the innings and scoring quickly at the top.
- Aiden Markram (C) – Captain leading the chase and middle-order stability.
- Lungi Ngidi – South Africa’s main pace threat with wickets in hand.
- Marco Jansen & Donovan Ferreira – Can change the game with bat or ball lower down.
