In a historic first for Asia, the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test match in Greater Noida was abandoned due to rain without a single ball being bowled. This marks the first instance in 91 years and across 730 Test matches played in the region where a Test has been called off due to weather conditions.
Unprecedented Weather Challenges
The Test, which was scheduled to run from Monday to Friday, faced continuous downpours from the opening day. The intensity of the rain, coupled with an under-prepared outfield, rendered the ground unfit for play throughout the five days. The persistent rains worsened conditions, and despite efforts to salvage the match, the decision to abandon it was taken on the morning of Day 5.
Impact on Afghanistan’s Test Journey
This match was Afghanistan’s third Test hosted in India, following previous fixtures against Ireland and the West Indies in 2019. Despite these earlier successful outings in Dehradun and Lucknow, Afghanistan missed out on much-needed game time due to the weather interruptions. The Greater Noida venue had been chosen for its proximity to both Delhi and Kabul, but the inclement weather dashed hopes of a competitive Test encounter.
Historical Context
Globally, only seven Test matches out of the 2,548 played have been abandoned without any play. The first such instance occurred in 1890 between Australia and England in Manchester. Similar cancellations have been rare but have taken place in England, Pakistan, and New Zealand. However, this is the first time such an occurrence has been recorded in Asia, making it a significant moment in the history of cricket in the region.
What’s Next for Afghanistan and New Zealand?
With the abandoned Test, both teams will now focus on their upcoming series. Afghanistan is set to host South Africa for a three-match ODI series in the UAE next week, while New Zealand will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series before returning to India for three more Test matches in October. Both sides will be looking to put this rare setback behind them and continue their respective international commitments.
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