Overview
- On-field umpires Rohan Pandit and KN Ananthapadmanabhan conducted about six checks before abandoning the match without a toss or a ball bowled.
- India retain a 2–1 lead in the five-match series, meaning South Africa must win the December 19 finale at Narendra Modi Stadium to draw the series.
- Officials cited unsafe visibility in heavy smog, with reports noting AQI levels above 400 and players, including Hardik Pandya, seen taking precautions such as wearing a mask.
- Pre-match updates said PTI reported vice-captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the fourth and fifth T20Is with a toe injury, Axar Patel remained out due to illness, and coverage offered conflicting reports on Jasprit Bumrah’s availability.
- The abandonment has renewed criticism of scheduling winter night fixtures in northern India where fog and poor air quality are common, raising questions for the BCCI and local organisers.