New Zealand vs. Afghanistan Test Match Abandoned Due to Rain

New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan, held in Greater Noida, India, has been completely washed out, with not a single ball bowled over the course of five days. This rain-affected match becomes only the eighth men’s Test in history to be abandoned without any play.

Persistent and heavy rain throughout the scheduled dates rendered the playing conditions unplayable. Despite hopes for a break in the weather, the third, fourth, and fifth days of the match were all canceled due to ongoing overnight rainfall, making it the first time a men’s Test in India has ended without any cricket action.

This situation echoes a similar occurrence from 1998, when a Test between New Zealand and India in Dunedin was also completely washed out. The abandonment of this match marks a rare and frustrating event for players and fans alike, who were eagerly anticipating the contest.

Following this disappointing outcome, the Black Caps will shift their focus to their upcoming series. New Zealand is set to travel to Sri Lanka later this month for a two-Test series, before returning to India in October for a three-Test series. Additionally, New Zealand will host England for a three-Test series from November to December.

This washout serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor sports and the challenges that teams and organizers face when dealing with adverse weather conditions. As the cricket calendar continues, fans and players alike will be hoping for clearer skies and more favorable conditions for future matches.

Men’s Test Matches Abandoned Without Any Play

  • England v Australia – Manchester, 1890
  • England v Australia – Manchester, 1938
  • Australia v England – Melbourne, 1970
  • New Zealand v Pakistan – Dunedin, 1989
  • West Indies v England – Georgetown, 1990
  • Pakistan v Zimbabwe – Faisalabad, 1998
  • New Zealand v India – Dunedin, 1998
  • Afghanistan v New Zealand – Greater Noida, 2024