The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathak Cricket Stadium in Greater Noida is set to make history as it becomes the 124th venue and Noida the 95th city to host an international Test match. Afghanistan will face New Zealand in a one-off Test starting Monday, marking a significant milestone for international cricket.
The stadium, managed by local authorities, is the 30th ground and Noida the 23rd city in India to host a Test match. Afghanistan has a strong familiarity with the venue, having played five One-Day Internationals (winning three) and six T20 Internationals (five wins) there since 2017.
However, the Test match faces a potential challenge due to persistent rain in Greater Noida. The groundstaff has been forced to cover the playing area with tarpaulins, and the forecast predicts occasional thunderstorms throughout the five-day match. The stadium’s drainage system is also a concern, with only one super-sopper being used to dry the ground.
Despite the weather concerns, both Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and New Zealand skipper Tim Southee expressed their hope for clear weather and a playable match. The match referee will have the authority to assess the field conditions and determine if they are suitable for play.
The Test match will be a test of the stadium’s capabilities, as it lacks the advanced equipment and resources found in other international venues in India. The drainage system and the availability of super-soppers will be crucial factors in ensuring the match can proceed smoothly.
