India vs South Africa Prediction, 4th T20I – Who will win today’s match between IND vs SA?

Published - 16 Dec 2025, 22:30 IST | Updated - 16 Dec 2025, 22:57 IST

With the five-match series being led 2-1 by the hosts, India (IND) will take on South Africa (SA) for the upcoming fourth T20I encounter on Wednesday, December 17 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

India will want to win the upcoming contest and take an unassailable lead in the series. They had won the opening match in Cuttack, but were outplayed in New Chandigarh, facing a 51-run drubbing at the hands of the visitors. However, the Suryakumar Yadav-led unit staged a brilliant comeback in the Dharamshala fixture and kept themselves ahead in the series. Notably, India are unbeaten so far at this venue.

South Africa, on the other hand, will enter the contest in a desperate situation to clinch a victory, as the Aiden Markram-led side will certainly want to keep the series alive for the fifth and final match. A win tonight would mean that the series will move into Ahmedabad for an epic end to the riveting cricketing action. Else, they will have to return home with a 1-2 loss for the entire all-format tour.

The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is very new to hosting T20 international fixtures. However, the records show that five out of the six matches held here have ended in the favour of teams batting first. Chasing is relatively tough at the venue, and spinners come into play. India have played thrice in Lucknow, winning each time. Whoever wins the toss tonight should opt to bat first, and churn out optimum juice out of what the surface at Ekana offers.

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

The Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav has been going through some rough form with the bat. However, all it takes is one innings for a player to get over the worst of the runs. With a bigger goal of T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, the Mumbai-born is expected to shoulder a few more responsibilities and get some runs under his belt to show an intense approach. The pitch at Lucknow may also suit his batting style, as the ball carries well here.

The express pace of Anrich Nortje can be expected as one of the best bowlers to watch out for in the upcoming match. The right-arm speedster is yet to pick up a wicket in the series, however, everyone is aware of what he can do with the extra pace and bounce that he generates, especially on red soil pitches. If that is the kind of pitch he gets for the fourth T20I, he will find wickets through the assistance offered.