With the India-South Africa T20I series finely poised following the abandonment of the fourth game in Lucknow due to excessive fog and poor visibility, former Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn believes the hosts have held the edge so far, even as both teams head into a decisive final match with the series still up for grabs.
After three completed games, only two outcomes remain possible: South Africa can square the series 2–2, or India can seal it 3–1 when the two sides face off in the fifth and final T20I at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Reflecting on the tour as a whole, Steyn felt South Africa had delivered strong performances across formats while acknowledging that India have been the more consistent side in the T20Is.
“I think it’s been a great series, and South Africa have probably exceeded expectations. Winning the Test series was outstanding, and they were very competitive in the ODIs. They might feel they let the first ODI slip after winning the toss and losing early wickets while chasing. Had they won that, they could have finished the ODI series 2–1. That said, out of the three T20Is so far, India have been the better team.
“They bowled South Africa out cheaply in one game, conceded runs in another, but then dominated again in Dharamsala. If India win the series, I would say well played — they would deserve it. But I’m hoping South Africa turn it around. They’ve had a wonderful tour,” Steyn said on JioStar.
India’s advantage in the shortest format has largely come from their ability to seize crucial moments, particularly with the ball, while South Africa have struggled to sustain momentum despite showing flashes of quality.
Steyn also spoke warmly about India’s young batters, singling out Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma for their contrasting approaches and impact at the crease.
“I remember Shubman Gill scoring heavily against SRH when I was the bowling coach there. He played beautifully. Even when you’re on the losing side, you enjoy watching someone like him bat. He makes it look very easy, elegant and pleasing on the eye.
“Abhishek Sharma hits a lot of sixes and plays fearless shots, but I personally enjoy watching a classical cover drive or someone walking down the wicket and hitting straight back over the top. When Gill gets going, it’s great to watch,” he added.