In an unusual development, officials have called off the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand without any play occurring.
Relentless rain that has plagued Greater Noida washed out the final day of the Test.
Afghanistan Cricket released a statement confirming the cancellation and noted that ongoing rain in Greater Noida had led the match officials to call off the 5th and final day of the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test due to the persistent weather conditions.
“Over the past week, a series of heavy showers have hit Greater Noida, initially disrupting the first two days with a poorly draining outfield.”
The situation deteriorated further over the last three days, resulting in the unprecedented decision to call off the match without a single delivery bowled.
This incident marks the eighth time in Test cricket history that weather has entirely washed out a match over all five days, and the first time since 1998.
While this Test was not part of the World Test Championship, it was a key opportunity for New Zealand to adapt to subcontinental conditions in preparation for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka and India.
For Afghanistan, the match was a chance to end their winless streak in Test cricket, as they had not won a match in the format since 2021.
Looking ahead, Afghanistan will travel to Sharjah for a three-ODI series against South Africa, starting on 18 September.
Concurrently, New Zealand will head to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, also beginning on 18 September, which will contribute to the World Test Championship standings.
New Zealand Cricket announced, “The one-off Test against Afghanistan has officially been called off early on day five following further rain in Noida. The Test squad will relocate to Sri Lanka tomorrow ahead of the two-Test WTC series in Galle.”
As both teams shift their focus to their respective upcoming fixtures, the cricketing world reflects on a rare and disappointing end to this highly anticipated encounter.
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