Afghanistan vs New Zealand test match cancelled for fourth day due to rain and poor outfield | The Express Tribune

The only test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand, held in Noida, India, has faced another setback as the fourth consecutive day of play was cancelled due to persistent rain and a wet outfield.

Despite efforts by the ground staff, the playing surface remained unfit for cricket, leading to the game being called off for the day.

The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship, was initially scheduled to start on 9 September.

However, light rain before the match left the outfield too wet, forcing the cancellation of the first day.

The situation remained the same on the second day, with no play possible as ground conditions did not improve.

By the third day, heavy rainfall further delayed any hopes of play, and officials had no choice but to abandon the day’s play entirely.

On the fourth day, with water still accumulating on the field and deeper patches developing, concerns over player safety led to another cancellation.

Ground staff had been using fans and removing wet patches to dry the field, but these measures proved insufficient, raising questions about the poor hosting conditions.

Afghan fans have expressed their frustration with the Indian Cricket Board, accusing them of providing a substandard venue for such a high-profile match.

The cancellation of four consecutive days has cast doubts on the remainder of the match, with further rain expected in the coming days.

The venue, which is hosting its first Test, has come under scrutiny for lacking world-class facilities and basic drainage.