Tag: NewZealandCricket

The highly anticipated one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Greater Noida was unfortunately abandoned without a single ball being bowled over the five days. Persistent rainfall and an inadequate outfield prevented the umpires from starting the match even once.

The stadium facilities faced criticism for their inability to prepare the surface for play despite a full day without rain. The match officials had no choice but to abandon the match completely on Friday, leaving both teams disappointed.

Despite the lack of on-field action, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott revealed that his players remained active by hitting the gym in preparation for their upcoming series against South Africa in the UAE. “We tried getting a couple of gym sessions and making sure the players are really active and working hard,” Trott said. “We’ve got a one-day series coming up against South Africa, so we’ve had an eye on that, making sure our players are ready for the next series.”

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead echoed Trott’s sentiments, stating that his players engaged in hallway cricket in their hotel and had multiple gym sessions. “A lot of hallway cricket in the hotel. Lots of playing spin and things like that,” Stead said. “This was the first of six Tests in Asia for us, so it’s disappointing to lose the opportunity to be match-ready for our next Test match next week.”

The abandoned match highlights the challenges faced by cricket boards in organizing matches during the monsoon season in India. The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium’s drainage system and outfield preparation came under scrutiny, raising questions about the suitability of the venue for international matches.

Despite the disappointment, both Afghanistan and New Zealand will look to move forward and prepare for their upcoming series. Afghanistan will face South Africa in a one-day series in the UAE, while New Zealand will embark on a three-Test tour of India followed by two Tests in Sri Lanka.

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.