Fri Sep 13 15:46:51 UTC 2024: ## Rain Drenches Afghanistan-New Zealand Test, Marking First Abandonment in India
**Greater Noida, India** – In a historic first, the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned without a single ball bowled due to persistent rain. This marks the eighth instance of a Test being abandoned without play in the history of five-day matches.
The match, which was scheduled to take place at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex, was plagued by inclement weather from the outset. The first two days were washed out due to a wet outfield, raising concerns about the ground’s preparedness. The remaining three days were then completely cancelled due to persistent rain.
An inspection on Friday morning confirmed the inevitable – the match would be abandoned without even the toss taking place. Puddles still remained on the uncovered parts of the outfield, making it impossible for play to commence.
“It is still raining in Greater Noida and due to frequent rains, the 5th and final day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test has been called off by the match officials,” stated the Afghanistan Cricket Board.
This abandonment marks a significant moment in Test cricket history, as it was the first time a Test match was called off without any play at an Indian venue. The last time a Test was abandoned in such a manner was in 1998, when a match between New Zealand and India in Dunedin was washed out due to inclement weather.
The lack of adequate facilities at the ground, such as proper ground covers, drainage, and trained ground staff, exacerbated the situation. Despite sunshine on the first two days, the umpires deemed the ground unsafe for play due to a particularly problematic mid-wicket area.
The BCCI attempted to rectify the situation by providing additional machinery and support from the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Association and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, but it was ultimately too late.
The abandoned match is a disappointment for both teams, especially for Afghanistan who have played only nine Test matches since gaining Test status in 2017. This fixture was not part of the ICC’s World Test Championship cycle, but it was an important opportunity for the team to gain experience against a top-ranked side.
Match referee Javagal Srinath’s report on the preparedness of the venue will be crucial in determining the future of the stadium. The incident highlights the importance of ensuring adequate infrastructure and preparedness to handle adverse weather conditions in order to prevent future cancellations.
First Piper 