The Greater Noida stadium is controlled by the local administration, not the BCCI or the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association
Cricket is often described as a sport filled with uncertainty, where fortunes can change in a matter of minutes. Yet, no cricketer or fan anticipates the most dreaded outcome in the sport: a game washed out by rain. Unfortunately, that’s precisely what transpired in the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in September 2024. This match, held at Afghanistan’s adopted home ground in Greater Noida, India, was one of only eight in cricket’s long history to be abandoned without a single ball being bowled.
The Context Behind the Match
Afghanistan, having made remarkable strides in international cricket since gaining Test status in 2017, was eager to prove their growing stature against the formidable New Zealand team. The clash promised to be an exciting encounter between an experienced team like New Zealand, ranked among the top Test-playing nations, and Afghanistan, a team known for their fighting spirit and continuous improvement in the longest format of the game.
However, from the outset, the weather conditions painted a grim picture. Hosted at Greater Noida, a venue Afghanistan has used multiple times due to security concerns in their home country, the Test match became an unfortunate victim of the rainy season in northern India. The timing and location of the match seemed to conspire against any hopes of play.
A Wet Start
While the first two days of the Test match showed promise with some sunshine, the outfield had already become waterlogged from previous showers. The ground, which was hosting its first-ever Test match, struggled with inadequate drainage facilities, a factor that played a key role in the eventual cancellation of the match. Despite the best efforts from ground staff, including the use of electric fans and attempts to replace wet patches with fresh mud and grass, the outfield remained unplayable.
As a result, not only was the match unable to begin but even the toss was never held. The following days saw continuous downpours, and by the third day, the rain became incessant, leaving no hope for any recovery.
Historic Test Abandonments: A Rare Occurrence
Abandoning a Test match without any play is an exceedingly rare occurrence in cricket. In fact, prior to this instance, it had only happened seven times in the history of the game. The last such instance occurred in 1998 when New Zealand was ironically involved in another washed-out Test against India in Dunedin. Other famous instances include the 1970/71 Australia-England match in Melbourne, which led to the birth of One-Day International cricket.
This abandonment in Greater Noida, while disappointing for fans and players alike, joins a short but curious list of matches lost to rain, including:
- England vs Australia, Manchester (1890, 1938)
- Australia vs England, Melbourne (1970/71)
- New Zealand vs Pakistan, Dunedin (1989)
- West Indies vs England, Georgetown (1990)
- Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, Faisalabad (1998)
Each of these instances, though frustrating, stands as a reminder of how weather can impact even the most carefully planned events in sports.
The Significance for Afghanistan Cricket
For Afghanistan, this match held more significance than just being another contest in their Test calendar. It was an opportunity for their team to face off against one of the world’s best cricketing sides. With only nine Tests under their belt, Afghanistan has already shown promise by winning three, and this Test was seen as an opportunity to build on that momentum.
Moreover, it was a chance for Afghanistan to showcase its progress on a stage where the stakes are highest. Having been humiliated in their debut Test against India in 2018, Afghanistan’s rise since then has been nothing short of remarkable. They’ve grown in stature, gaining respect as a competitive team, particularly in shorter formats like T20I and ODI cricket.
However, the washed-out match in Greater Noida reflects the challenges Afghanistan faces in hosting international cricket. With their home venues unavailable due to security issues, the team must rely on adopted grounds like those in India or the UAE. The Greater Noida ground itself has been a frequent venue for Afghanistan’s matches since 2017, but its limitations were clearly exposed during this abandoned Test.
The Road Ahead for Both Teams
For New Zealand, this abandonment was an unfortunate start to their international season. Led by veteran fast bowler Tim Southee, the team was eager to fine-tune their skills ahead of the upcoming series. New Zealand’s next assignment is a two-Test series in Sri Lanka, followed by three Tests against India.
For Afghanistan, the focus will now shift to limited-overs cricket, where they have established themselves as a competitive force. They will also look to continue their growth in the Test arena, although scheduling regular matches remains a challenge due to their reliance on foreign venues.
Conclusion
Empty chairs are seen as it rains at the beginning of day four of the Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida.
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The abandoned Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test will go down in history not for the cricket played, but for the cricket that was never played. While it was a huge disappointment for players, fans, and the cricketing world, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of the sport.
With more promising fixtures ahead, both teams will move on from this washout and focus on their respective cricketing journeys. For Afghanistan, the lessons learned from this experience—both in terms of cricket and infrastructure—will undoubtedly be important as they continue to carve their place in the world of Test cricket. Meanwhile, New Zealand will look to put this lost opportunity behind them as they prepare for more challenging contests in the near future.
