India head into the fourth T20I against South Africa brimming with confidence after a dominant performance in the third match at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on December 14.

Batting first, the Proteas struggled to gain momentum despite a fighting knock from skipper Aiden Markram, who top-scored with 61 off 46 balls before being dismissed by Arshdeep Singh. The Indian bowlers then tightened the screws, skittling South Africa out for a modest 117.

In response, the Men in Blue made light work of the chase. Abhishek Sharma (35), Shubman Gill (28) and Tilak Varma (26) unleashed an aggressive batting display as India crossed the line in just 15.5 overs.

With the hosts now leading the five-match series 2-1, they will be eager to seal the contest when the teams lock horns in the fourth T20I. The match is scheduled to be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on December 17.

Located in the heart of the city, the Ekana Stadium has emerged as a reliable T20I venue and will be hosting its seventh international in the shortest format. 

The fourth T20I is set to begin at 7:00 PM IST.

Players to watch out for

Tilak Varma: Team India’s star batter, Tilak Varma has been in phenomenal form throughout the T20I series. So far, he has been the top run-scorer in the series scoring 114 runs in three matches backed by an average of 57 and a strike rate of 114. All eyes will be on Varma when he comes in to bat as he will be eager to play a key role in helping the home side clinch the series.
Varun Chakravarthy: India’s star leg-spinner has been in the limelight during the T20I series. With six wickets in three matches, Varun Chakravarthy has been the highest wicket-taker between both sides. His ability to deceive batters with unplayable deliveries make him a top bowling option. He would be eyeing to scalp wickets in bulk in the fourth match. 

India vs South Africa head-to-head record in T20 cricket

India hold the edge over South Africa in T20 international cricket, having won 20 of their 32 encounters. The Proteas have claimed 13 victories, while one match ended without a result. 

India vs South Africa head-to-head record in T20 cricket

India’s T20I squad: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (wicket-keeper), Sanju Samson (wicket-keeper), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar

South Africa’s T20I squad: 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 (wicket-keeper)

Upcoming milestones to keep an eye on

  • Shubman Gill is 131 runs away from completing 1000 runs in T20Is.
  • Sanju Samson requires 5 more runs to complete 1,000 runs in T20Is.
  • Suryakumar Yadav needs 30 runs to reach 9000 runs in T20s.
  • Tilak Verma 77 runs to aggregate 500 runs against South Africa in T20Is.

Where to watch India vs South Africa 4th T20I live

The India vs South Africa 4th T20I will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.

Live streaming of the IND vs SA 4th T20I will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.