IND vs SA 4th T20I Dream11 Prediction on 17 Dec 2025

India and South Africa will meet in the 4th T20I of their five-match series on 17 December 2025. The venue is the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The series currently stands at 2–1 in India’s favor. India dominated the opening match, winning by a massive margin of 101 runs.

South Africa responded strongly in the second game, winning by 51 runs. India then regained control in the third match with a comfortable 7-wicket victory.

This match carries significant weight for both teams. India needs just one win to seal the series with a game to spare. A victory here would give them an unassailable 3–1 lead.

For South Africa, this is a do-or-die situation. They must win this match to keep the series alive. If they lose, India wins the series regardless of the fifth match result.

The pressure is clearly on the visiting South African team. They need to perform under must-win conditions against a confident Indian side playing at home.

IND vs SA 4th T20I Dream11 Prediction

India will look to close out the series and avoid any late drama. Their recent form and home advantage make them favorites going into this encounter.

Venue Analysis: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has specific characteristics that influence match outcomes. Understanding these conditions is crucial for both teams and fantasy cricket players.

This venue has hosted several T20 internationals and Indian Premier League matches over recent years. The data from these games shows clear patterns about how matches unfold here.

The stadium is known for producing low-scoring matches more often than high-scoring thrillers. The pitch does not allow batters to freely play their shots like on some faster Indian surfaces.

• Pitch Characteristics:

The surface at Ekana is made of black soil. This type of soil creates a slow pitch where the ball grips after bouncing. Black soil pitches typically favor spin bowlers because the ball turns and slows down.

The bounce is lower than on most other grounds in India. When the bounce is low, batters find it harder to time their shots properly. The ball does not come onto the bat at a predictable height.

• Bowler Success Patterns:

Spinners are the most successful type of bowler at this venue. The pitch assists turn, making it difficult for batters to score freely in the middle overs (overs 7-15).

In cricket terminology, “middle overs” refers to the phase after the powerplay (first 6 overs) and before the death overs (last 4-5 overs). This is when spinners typically bowl most of their overs.

Pace bowlers who vary their speed do well here. Fast bowlers who bowl slower balls, cutters, and change their pace succeed more than those who rely only on raw speed.

Bowlers who can adapt their lengths and speeds to the slow conditions are more effective than those who stick to one style.

• Historical Context:

India has played multiple matches at this ground across all formats. However, India and South Africa have never faced each other in a T20I at Ekana before. This makes it a fresh contest where neither team has specific historical data about this matchup at this venue.

Match Details at a Glance

Pitch Report & Scoring Pattern

Understanding scoring patterns at a venue helps predict match flow and select fantasy teams. The Ekana Stadium has clear statistical trends.

• Average Scores:

The average first innings score at this ground is 151 runs. This means teams batting first typically post totals around 150.

The average second innings score is significantly lower at 126 runs. This represents a 25-run difference, which is substantial in T20 cricket.

This gap shows that scoring becomes harder in the second innings. Teams chasing face more challenges than teams setting targets.

• Why Second Innings Is Harder:

The pitch tends to slow down further as the match progresses. By the second innings, the surface has been used for 20 overs already, making it even more difficult to bat on.

The slower nature of the pitch means batters need perfect timing. As the ball gets older and the pitch more worn, timing becomes increasingly difficult.

• Impact on Different Phases:

In the powerplay (first 6 overs), the pitch offers some help to fast bowlers. The new ball can swing slightly, and the field restrictions allow for aggressive batting.

During the middle overs, spinners dominate. The slow pitch and turn make it hard for batters to accelerate. This is when wickets typically fall.

In the death overs (last 4-5 overs), the pitch condition makes big hitting challenging. Batters need excellent timing and placement rather than just power.

• Tactical Bowling:

Bowlers who use slower balls and vary their pace are more successful than those who bowl fast throughout. The pitch rewards smart bowling over aggressive fast bowling.

Spinners can control the game through the middle overs. Economy rates for spinners are typically better than for fast bowlers at this venue.

Weather Report for Match Night

Weather conditions significantly impact T20 matches, especially in December in North India. Here are the expected conditions for 17 December 2025 in Lucknow.

• Temperature:

The match will be played in cool winter conditions. Evening temperatures are expected to be around 11 degrees Celsius. This is cold weather for cricket, especially as night sets in.

Cool weather affects how players grip the ball and bat. It can also impact how far the ball travels when hit.

• Humidity:

Humidity levels will be relatively high during the evening hours. High humidity in cool conditions creates the perfect environment for dew formation.

• Wind Conditions:

Wind speed is predicted between 10-14 kilometers per hour. This is moderate wind that should not significantly affect the flight of the ball.

• Rain:

The chance of rain is 0 percent. There will be no weather interruptions from precipitation.

• Dew Factor:

Dew is the most important weather factor for this match. As the evening progresses and humidity rises, dew forms on the grass and the playing surface.

When dew settles, the ball becomes wet and slippery. This makes it hard for bowlers to grip the ball properly. Spinners particularly struggle because they need to grip the ball firmly to impart spin.

The wet ball can also skid faster onto the bat, which can help batters. However, fielders struggle to grip the wet ball, leading to potential misfields.

The dew factor typically favors the team chasing because bowlers find it harder to control the wet ball in the second innings.

Toss Decision and Its Effect on Match Outcome

The toss is an important moment in cricket where the captain winning the coin flip decides whether to bat or bowl first. At Ekana Stadium, toss decisions follow clear patterns.

• Captain Preferences:

When captains win the toss at this venue, they choose to bowl first 68 percent of the time. This means more than two-thirds of captains prefer to chase.

The main reason for this preference is the dew factor discussed earlier. Captains believe that bowling first and then chasing with dew helping them is the better option.

• Actual Results:

However, match results tell a different story. Teams that bat first win 54 percent of matches at Ekana Stadium.

Teams that bowl first and then chase win only 46 percent of matches. This means batting first actually has a slightly better success rate.

• Why This Contradiction Exists:

Despite the dew helping batters in the second innings, the slow pitch makes chasing difficult. The 25-run average difference between first and second innings shows this clearly.

Teams batting first can set their own pace and build an innings. Teams chasing must maintain a required run rate on a difficult pitch, which creates pressure.

• Expected Decision:

For this match, the captain winning the toss will likely choose to bowl first based on common preference. However, the statistics suggest batting first might actually be the smarter choice.

Injury Update and Team Adjustments

Team composition can change due to injuries or fitness issues. For this 4th T20I, India has one confirmed change.

• India’s Change:

Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining T20I matches in this series. He is unavailable due to illness and cannot continue in the tournament.

Axar Patel is a left-arm spinner who also bats in the lower middle order. In cricket terminology, such players are called “all-rounders” because they contribute with both bat and ball.

His absence removes a key balance option from India’s squad. All-rounders are valuable because they allow teams to play an extra batter or an extra bowler.

• Replacement:

Shahbaz Ahmed has been named as Axar Patel’s replacement in the Indian squad. Shahbaz is also a left-arm spinner who can bat.

However, it is not confirmed whether Shahbaz will play in this match. India has other options like Washington Sundar, who can fill the spinning all-rounder role.

• South Africa:

South Africa has no reported injuries or forced changes. Their squad remains the same as in previous matches of this series.

Expected Playing XI for Both Teams

Based on the previous match and squad composition, here are the likely playing elevens for both teams.

India Probable Playing XI:

1. Abhishek Sharma (Opening batter)
2. Shubman Gill (Opening batter)
3. Tilak Varma (Top-order batter)
4. Suryakumar Yadav (Middle-order batter, Captain)
5. Hardik Pandya (All-rounder)
6. Shivam Dube (All-rounder)
7. Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper-batter)
8. Harshit Rana OR Washington Sundar (Bowler)
9. Arshdeep Singh (Fast bowler)
10. Jasprit Bumrah (Fast bowler)
11. Varun Chakaravarthy (Spin bowler)

India has one selection dilemma for the eighth position. They can either play Harshit Rana for extra pace bowling or Washington Sundar for an additional spin option.

On a slow Lucknow pitch, Washington Sundar might be preferred. He can bowl spin in the middle overs and also bat if needed.

South Africa Probable Playing XI:

1. Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper-batter)
2. Aiden Markram (Opening batter, Captain)
3. Tristan Stubbs (Top-order batter)
4. Dewald Brevis (Middle-order batter)
5. David Miller (Middle-order batter)
6. Donovan Ferreira (Middle-order batter)
7. George Linde (All-rounder)
8. Marco Jansen (All-rounder)
9. Corbin Bosch (Fast bowler)
10. Anrich Nortje (Fast bowler)
11. Ottneil Baartman (Fast bowler)

South Africa is likely to field the same team that played in the previous match. They found a combination that worked and will probably stick with it.

IND vs SA T20I Head-to-Head Summary

Recent meetings between these two teams show clear patterns. Here are the results of their last five T20I matches.

Key Observations:

India has won four out of the last five T20I matches against South Africa. This shows clear dominance in recent encounters.

South Africa’s only victory came in the 2nd T20I of the current series, where they won by 51 runs. This was their most convincing performance.

India’s bowling has been particularly impressive. In the 1st T20I of this series, they bowled South Africa out for just 74 runs, winning by 101 runs.

India’s batting posted 283 runs in the November 2024 match, their highest score in recent meetings. This shows their capability to post huge totals.

Top Players to Watch in 4th T20I

Based on statistics and recent performances, these players are the most important for fantasy cricket and match impact.

Detailed Analysis:

• Abhishek Sharma has a strike rate of 189, which is exceptional. Strike rate means the average runs scored per 100 balls faced. A strike rate above 150 is considered very good in T20 cricket.
• Varun Chakravarthy being the number one ranked T20I bowler, makes him crucial. On a slow pitch that assists spin, he will be extremely difficult to score against.
• Aiden Markram’s 61 runs in the last match shows he is in good touch. When a batter scores well in the previous game, they often carry that confidence forward.
• Tristan Stubbs has the overall numbers (over 800 T20I runs) but has not yet scored a big innings in this series. Such players are often “due” for a big score.

Dream11 Team Selection Guide

For the ind vs sa 4 t20 dream11 prediction, understanding which player types suit this pitch is essential.

• Bowlers Are Key:

On a slow pitch like Ekana, bowlers have more fantasy value than on high-scoring grounds. They are more likely to take wickets and bowl economically.

A minimum of five bowling options should be included in your Dream11 team. This is higher than the typical four bowlers on batting-friendly pitches.

• Spinners Are Crucial:

Include at least three spinners in your team. The pitch assists spin, making spinners likely to take wickets and control scoring.

Safe Spinner Picks:

• Varun Chakravarthy (India) – Mandatory selection
• George Linde (South Africa) – Left-arm spinner who gets turn

Bowler-Heavy Team Balance:

A recommended team structure is 5 bowlers, 2 all-rounders, 3 batters, and 1 wicketkeeper. This is bowler-heavy compared to typical combinations.

Batter Selection Logic:

Top-order batters are more valuable because the pitch gets harder to bat on as the match progresses. Opening batters face better conditions.

Safe Batter Picks:

• Abhishek Sharma (high strike rate, power hitter)
• Tilak Varma (in form, handles spin well)
• Aiden Markram (recent form, consistent)

All-Rounder Value:

All-rounders provide double opportunities for fantasy points. They can score with the bat and take wickets with the ball.

Recommended All-Rounders:

• Hardik Pandya (India) – Finisher with bat, death bowler
• Marco Jansen (South Africa) – Can swing the ball, hits hard

Captain and Vice-Captain:

The captain gets 2x points and vice-captain gets 1.5x points in Dream11. These choices are crucial for high scores.

• Safe Captain Choice: Varun Chakravarthy – Most consistent, perfect for conditions
• Differential Captain: Abhishek Sharma – Can score big quickly, lower ownership
• Safe Vice-Captain: Hardik Pandya or Arshdeep Singh – Consistent point scorers

Risky Picks to Avoid:

Players struggling for form should be avoided even if they are big names. Based on the series so far, some players have not performed.

Batters who struggle against spin on slow pitches are risky. Check each player’s technique against spin before selecting.

Key Takeaways Before Match Day

• India leads the series 2–1 and needs one win to seal it
• South Africa must win this match or lose the series
• Ekana Stadium pitch is slow and assists spin bowling
• Average first innings score is 151 runs, second innings is 126 runs
• Temperature will be cool at 11°C with high humidity
• Dew will develop in the second innings making the ball slippery
• Teams winning toss choose to bowl first 68% of the time
• However, teams batting first win 54% of matches at this venue
• Axar Patel is ruled out for India due to illness
• Shahbaz Ahmed replaces him in the squad
• India has won four of the last five T20Is against South Africa
• Varun Chakravarthy is the #1 ranked T20I bowler with 50 wickets
• Abhishek Sharma has strike rate of 189 in T20I cricket
• For Dream11, pick minimum 5 bowlers and 3 spinners
• Captain choice should be Varun Chakravarthy for safe points
• Top-order batters have more value than middle-order on this pitch
• All-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Marco Jansen provide dual value
• Pitch conditions favor bowling over batting for fantasy points

Disclaimer:

This ind vs sa 4th t20 dream11 team guide is based on statistical analysis and pitch conditions from the provided data.

Fantasy sports involve financial risk.

Play responsibly and within your limits.

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