Overview:
India appear better suited to exploit Ekana’s conditions due to their depth and quality in spin bowling.
The fourth T20I between India and South Africa arrives at a decisive juncture in the five-match series, with India holding a 2–1 lead and an opportunity to seal the contest. After three matches defined by sharp momentum swings and bowling-dominated outcomes, the focus now shifts firmly to Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, a venue known for testing batting discipline and rewarding tactical bowling. India’s victories have been built on spin control and pace accuracy, while South Africa’s lone success came through aggressive top-order batting. As the series reaches its business end, conditions at Ekana are expected to play a decisive role in shaping selection, strategy, and execution. With South Africa facing a must-win scenario to stay alive, and India looking to exploit familiar conditions, the pitch and weather dynamics in Lucknow could significantly influence how this crucial encounter unfolds.
India’s Squad for T20 Series vs South Africa
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma (wicket keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Shahbaz Ahmed.
South Africa’s Squad for T20 Series vs India
Aiden Markram (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Tristan Stubbs.
India’s Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs South Africa
Abhishek Sharma, Shubmann Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh.
South Africa’s Probable XI for the 4th T20I vs India
Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Aiden Markram (captain), Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Donnovan Ferreira, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartmaan.
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow – Key Details
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground is a secondary surface within the Ekana Sports City complex in Lucknow and is primarily used for domestic T20 matches, IPL practice sessions, and high-intensity training games. The venue is known for its black soil pitches, which produce low bounce and extra grip, making stroke-making difficult and bringing spinners into the game. Operating alongside the main Ekana Stadium, which has hosted international cricket since 2018, the B Ground benefits from similar infrastructure, including floodlights for day-night matches. The playing area features square boundaries of around 78 metres and straight boundaries close to 80 metres, limiting power-hitting. With nine practice pitches and a controlled outfield, adaptability and bowling discipline are crucial here.
What Is the Pitch Like at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow?
The pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground is defined by its black soil composition, which produces low bounce, grip, and gradual deterioration as the match progresses. Unlike flatter batting tracks, this surface demands technical precision rather than power hitting. The ball tends to hold up slightly, making mistimed shots common, particularly against spinners and bowlers who vary pace.
In day-night matches, seamers can extract early movement under lights, especially during the first powerplay. However, as the game moves into the middle overs, spinners and slower bowlers come into play, using the surface to grip and turn the ball. Average first innings scores range between 151 and 165, with boundaries measuring 78 metres square and 80 metres straight, making consistent six-hitting a challenge. Historically, teams bowling first have won close to 60 percent of matches, although dew can shift the balance later in the evening.
Key Stats at Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow
Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground has consistently produced low to moderate scoring T20 matches. The average first innings score across domestic contests stands at approximately 151 runs. The highest recorded team total at the venue is 183/4, achieved by Uttar Pradesh against Services in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
On the lower end, teams have been dismissed for as few as 87 all out, highlighting the risks faced by aggressive batting lineups. The average run rate at the venue is around 7.2 runs per over, reinforcing the idea that this is not a free-scoring ground. Teams batting first have won about 60 percent of matches, particularly when defending totals through spin-heavy attacks.
Bowling has historically dominated proceedings at Ekana B Ground. On average, 8.2 wickets fall per innings, indicating frequent breakthroughs rather than prolonged partnerships. Spinners account for approximately 42 percent of wickets, operating at an economy rate close to 6.5 runs per over.
While pace bowlers claim around 58 percent of wickets overall, their impact is most pronounced in the early overs. Post the 10-over mark, spinners tend to control the game, using drift, turn, and changes of pace. The best recorded bowling figures at the venue stand at 5/12, achieved by a spinner in a domestic T20 competition.
IND vs SA: Weather Forecast – Will Rain Play a Role?
Weather conditions in Lucknow on December 17 are expected to remain clear and stable. There is a 0 percent chance of rain, eliminating concerns of interruptions or reduced overs. Daytime temperatures are likely to hover around 25°C, dropping sharply to approximately 11°C at night.
Light winds of around 5 mph are expected, with hazy conditions possible but no major visibility issues. Dew is likely to form in the second innings, which could marginally assist teams chasing by reducing grip for bowlers. Overall, the weather is not expected to disrupt play and should allow for a full, uninterrupted contest.
India vs South Africa: Pitch Advantage for Which Side
India appear better suited to exploit Ekana’s conditions due to their depth and quality in spin bowling. Bowlers like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are well equipped to extract maximum value from the low bounce and grip on offer. India’s familiarity with similar surfaces also allows them to plan batting approaches more effectively, focusing on rotation and controlled aggression.
South Africa, by contrast, have shown vulnerability when their top order fails, particularly on slower tracks that restrict free stroke play. Their batting lineup relies heavily on early momentum, which can be difficult to generate at Ekana. Unless South Africa adapt their approach and find ways to counter spin in the middle overs, the pitch is likely to tilt the balance in India’s favour.
FAQs: Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow
What is the pitch report for Ekana Cricket Stadium B Ground, Lucknow?
The pitch is slow with low bounce, strongly favouring spinners and bowlers who use variations, with average first innings scores around 151–165.
What are India’s and South Africa’s records at this venue?
India have enjoyed greater success due to spin depth, while South Africa have struggled to post big totals on slower Ekana surfaces.