Despite repeated inspections, conditions never improved. The umpires conducted checks every 30 minutes over a two-and-a-half-hour period, but the dense blanket of fog refused to lift, raising serious safety concerns for both players and officials.

The umpires doing one of seven ground and visibility inspections before calling off the game. Photo: Cricinfo 

Although the Ekana Stadium is equipped with world-class floodlights and regularly hosts Indian Premier League fixtures, even their full glare was not enough to cut through the gloom. While television pictures suggested there might have been enough light to play, that illusion was down to broadcast technology. From ground level, visibility was severely compromised, with commentators noting that the pitch was barely visible from the sidelines.

The abandonment had significant consequences for the series. India, who went into the Lucknow encounter holding a 2-1 lead, now have an unassailable advantage, meaning South Africa can no longer win the five-match T20 International series.

Tilak Varma, Keshav Maharaj, Dewald Brevis, and Morné Morkel chatting with the fog in the background. Photo: Cricinfo

India dominated the opening match in Cuttack, cruising to a massive 101-run victory, and followed that up with a seven-wicket win in the third T20 International in Dharamsala.

South Africa’s only bright moment came in the second match in New Chandigarh, where the Proteas produced a spirited performance to secure a convincing 51-run win.

With one match still to play, the best South Africa can now hope for is a series draw.

The fifth and final T20 International of the tour will be played on Thursday in Ahmedabad, with play at the Narendra Modi Stadium scheduled to get underway at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek