Afghanistan-New Zealand Cricket Test Ends in Washout

By Priscilla Jepchumba The first Test game between Afghanistan and New Zealand was a historic occasion, but unfortunately, it ended without a single ball being bowled. This rare occurrence marked only the eighth time in Test cricket history, and it was the first instance since 1998. The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed that before selecting Greater Noida, near Delhi and Kabul, the BCCI offered several venues. The outcome of the match was predicted due to the absence of play in the initial four days and persistent rainfall that halted proceedings on the last two days. The umpires were left with no choice but to call off the match at 8:45 a.m. on the fifth day due to the continued rain and unfavorable playing conditions. Before this test in cricket history, out of 2548 Test matches, only seven had been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. The first three involved Australia and England in the Ashes in 1890, 1938, and 1970—twice in London and once in Melbourne. The other four happened between 1989 an