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Afghanistan Vs New Zealand One-Off Test Match Abandoned Without A Ball Being Bowled At Greater Noida

AFG Vs NZ: Match abandoned (X)AFG Vs NZ: Match abandoned (X)

In latest news, the one-off Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex has been officially called off on Day 5 without a ball being bowled. This marked a disappointing end to what was expected to be a historic encounter between the two nations. 

This was the first-ever Test match between New Zealand and Afghanistan. However inclement weather and inadequate drainage facilities at the venue hampered any chance of play across all five days.

AFG Vs NZ: Match Called Off On Day 5 

Despite the ground staff's relentless efforts to repair the outfield, which included digging up sections of the grass and using dry soil to manage the water-logging, continuous rain left the conditions unplayable. 

Waterlogged outfields and soggy patches persisted, and the situation worsened on Day 3 when heavy morning rain led to severe water-logging on the entire ground that led the officials to call off play early. Days 4 and 5 saw no improvement, and the match was abandoned in its entirety.

The match officials initially waited late into the evenings on the first two days, in the hope of a change in the weather, but the continuous rain left the ground conditions unsuitable for any play. On Day 5, with no significant improvement in the conditions, the match was officially called off without any action on the field. 

This match between New Zealand and Afghanistan is the 8th Match in the history of Test Cricket where the match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled.

This was Afghanistan's 10th Test match since gaining Full Member status in 2017. For New Zealand, the match was intended to kick off their subcontinent tour, which will continue with two Tests in Sri Lanka followed by three in India. 

However, it is important to mention that, unlike their upcoming fixtures, this Test was not part of the World Test Championship.