Thu Sep 12 03:36:45 UTC 2024: ## Rain Drenches Hopes of Black Caps-Afghanistan Test Match
**Greater Noida, India:** The much-anticipated one-off test match between the Black Caps and Afghanistan has been abandoned for the fourth consecutive day due to persistent rain. With no hope of play on Thursday, the match is now facing a real threat of becoming the eighth test in history to be called off without a single ball bowled.
Despite a glimmer of hope for Friday, the scheduled final day, the teams would only have a shortened 98 overs to try and force a result. However, with more inclement weather predicted, the chances of play seem bleak.
The Black Caps’ spin bowler, Ajaz Patel, who made history with a 10-wicket haul in his last test match in India, is hoping for a consistent run in the upcoming series. With six consecutive tests on the subcontinent, Patel, the only specialist spinner in the squad, has the opportunity to showcase his skills on spin-friendly pitches.
“It’s always special to come to India, especially after my last game here,” said Patel. “It breeds more hunger when you come to conditions like this.”
The Black Caps are looking to capitalize on the inexperience of the Afghanistan team, with a squad including two seamers and all-round spin options like Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Michael Bracewell.
While Patel is keen to make a mark in this series, he faces an uncertain future with the Black Caps, as the next red-ball assignment in Asia is not scheduled until 2027. Despite this, Patel is focused on continuously improving his game and is excited about the opportunity to work with the new spin-bowling coach, Rangana Herath, a Sri Lankan legend.
“It’s a great opportunity to spend some time with him and really understand how he crafted spin bowling,” said Patel.
With the fate of the test hanging by a thread, fans and both teams are eagerly awaiting a decision regarding the possibility of play on Friday.
First Piper 