Unrelenting Rain Forces Abandonment of Historic Afghanistan-New Zealand Test
Greater Noida, India – The inaugural Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand has been abandoned without a ball being bowled due to incessant rainfall that has plagued the venue for the past seven days.
The relentless downpour has left the outfield waterlogged and unplayable, making it impossible to conduct any meaningful cricket. The decision to abandon the match was made before the scheduled start time on the second day, leaving both teams disappointed and fans heartbroken.
“There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days,” a broadcast message stated. “The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can’t envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning.”
This marks the first time since 1998 that a men’s Test match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled. The previous instance occurred in Dunedin, New Zealand, during India’s tour of the country.
The abandonment of the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test is a major setback for both teams, who were eager to make history in this historic encounter. Afghanistan was playing its first-ever Test match, while New Zealand was looking to extend its impressive record in the format.
The weather conditions have also taken a toll on the players and support staff, who have been forced to endure long delays and uncertainty. The abandonment of the match will undoubtedly leave a bitter taste in the mouths of all involved.
