The Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test Match was abandoned due to rain in Greater Noida, marking the first such instance in Asia’s cricket history.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test Match Abandoned Due to Rain in Greater Noida, Makes History in Asia
The one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, held at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, made history for an unfortunate reason. It became the first-ever Test match to be abandoned due to rain in Asia. The game, eagerly awaited by cricket fans, faced continuous rain that washed out all five days, resulting in the match being called off without a single ball being bowled.
Relentless Rain Dampens Cricket Fans’ Spirits
The Test match, which was set to begin on September 10, 2024, had raised high hopes among fans of both teams. However, heavy rain in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, spoiled the plans. The rain started early on the first day and continued unabated throughout the scheduled days, leaving no chance for play. Both teams were looking forward to the contest, with Afghanistan aiming to make an impression in red-ball cricket and New Zealand seeking to dominate in their tour of Asia.
A Historic First in Asia’s Cricketing Records
While cricket matches have often been delayed or even abandoned due to rain, this is the first time a Test match in Asia has been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Such an occurrence is rare in the global context, with the last similar instance happening in the West Indies in 2002. This makes the Greater Noida match a historic event, though not for the reasons fans would have liked.
Impact on Teams and Fans
The players and fans were visibly disappointed as the match was called off. For Afghanistan, it was an opportunity to showcase their talent against a strong team like New Zealand. Afghanistan’s players were looking forward to playing in front of their fans in India, which serves as their second home ground. New Zealand, on the other hand, was eager to acclimatize to Asian conditions ahead of other upcoming series.
Concerns Over Ground and Weather Conditions
The Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground, which was hosting a Test match for the first time, was unable to provide sufficient drainage to deal with the constant downpour. Despite efforts by the ground staff to cover the pitch and dry outfield areas, the continuous rain made it impossible to start the game. The abandonment also raises questions about scheduling matches during the monsoon season in India.
Reactions from Cricket Boards
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) both expressed disappointment over the match being abandoned. Both boards emphasized the importance of player safety and acknowledged that playing under such conditions was impossible. The boards are now looking to reschedule the match, though no official announcements have been made yet.
What Next
While the rain in Greater Noida might have dampened spirits, both teams are looking ahead to future opportunities. New Zealand will continue its preparations for the upcoming series in Asia, while Afghanistan will focus on other scheduled matches in the region. The historic nature of the abandonment will be remembered, but fans will hope for better weather and uninterrupted matches in the future.
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