- AFG vs NZ Test: The toss has not taken place yet on the second day of the test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand in Greater Noida. The first day had ended like this.
Source : Afghanistan Cricket Team
Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test:
The test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand to be held at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground in Greater Noida has not started yet, while today is the second day of the match. In the match starting on Monday (September 09), the toss could not take place on the first day due to wet ground and the whole day ended without any play.
Now the situation is not looking normal even on the second day of the match. The toss could not take place on the second day due to the wet outfield. Actually, heavy rain was seen on Monday evening, due to which the ground became wet and the match could not start till now. The groundsmen have not been able to prepare the ground for the match till now.
Let us tell you that there was no rain on the first day. However, the match could not be held. Actually, it rained a day before the start of the match, due to which the outfield became wet. Now it will be interesting to see when the test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand starts here.
Lucknow was the first choice
While talking to ‘Times of India’, an official of the Afghanistan Board said that Lucknow was the first choice for this test match, but that ground was already booked, due to which Greater Noida was chosen. Seeing the lack of facilities in Greater Noida, the Afghanistan team also looked quite disappointed.
“The total lack of management at the venue and the poor training facilities have put the Afghan cricketers off a bit. It’s a big mess. We are not coming back here,” the board official said.
The much-anticipated Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match, which was supposed to bring cricket fans an enthralling contest, is now facing the threat of ending without a toss being made. As the second day progresses with little to no improvement in the situation, the possibility of any play seems bleak. Fans are left wondering if they will witness any action or if the Test will go down as another unfortunate washout in the history of the game.
The First Day: A Washout
The first day of the Test match was expected to start with high intensity as Afghanistan aimed to make a mark in the longest format of the game, while New Zealand, a seasoned Test-playing nation, looked to assert their dominance. However, mother nature had other plans. Persistent rain and poor weather conditions meant that not a single ball was bowled, and even the toss could not take place.
Players and fans alike were left frustrated as the day was called off without any action. Hopes were pinned on the second day, with everyone eagerly waiting for the weather to clear up, allowing the match to finally begin.
The Situation on Day Two: No Better
As day two unfolds, the situation at the venue remains grim. Continuous rainfall, wet outfield conditions, and intermittent delays have dashed hopes of a full day’s play. Groundsmen have been working tirelessly, but with rain showers interrupting their efforts, the progress has been minimal. Even if the skies clear, it is uncertain whether the ground will be in a playable condition by the time the match officials take a call.
Cricket fans are growing anxious, and the possibility of the match ending without a toss looms larger with each passing hour. For Afghanistan, who are relatively new to Test cricket, this was an important opportunity to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent like New Zealand. On the other hand, New Zealand, known for their consistency in red-ball cricket, would also be disappointed by the lack of play.
What Happens if There’s No Toss?
In the unfortunate event that the match ends without a toss, it would go down as a washout, and neither team would earn any points or advantages from the game. In Test cricket, especially in bilateral series, washouts are always frustrating as they disrupt the rhythm of the series and deny fans the opportunity to see a potentially thrilling contest. For both Afghanistan and New Zealand, this would be a setback as they aim to build momentum heading into future series.
While the cricketing world has witnessed washouts in shorter formats like ODIs and T20s, a Test match being washed out without even a toss is a rare occurrence. The stakes are higher in Tests, where teams spend months preparing for a long-format series. A washout of such magnitude could also affect future scheduling and planning for both teams.
Weather Woes: An Ongoing Challenge
Weather has always been a factor that plays a pivotal role in cricket, especially in Test matches. Over the years, there have been several instances where rain or bad light has curtailed games. In places like England or the subcontinent during monsoon season, weather disruptions are more common, but they can strike anywhere. Unfortunately, for the Afghanistan-New Zealand Test, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
As cricket continues to be a global sport, the unpredictability of weather remains one of its biggest challenges. While technological advancements have helped grounds become more resistant to rain and poor conditions, nature often has the final say. Fans, players, and officials alike have to wait and hope for the best.
A Waiting Game for Fans
For fans of both Afghanistan and New Zealand, the ongoing uncertainty has been disappointing. Afghanistan, who have a growing and passionate cricket following, were looking forward to seeing their heroes compete in the ultimate format of the game. For New Zealand’s fans, the prospect of watching their world-class team in action has been equally marred by the weather.
Social media has been buzzing with fans from both nations expressing their frustration and sharing updates on the weather. The anticipation of a thrilling Test match has turned into a waiting game, with everyone hoping that some play can still be salvaged.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
As the second day draws to a close with little hope of any immediate improvement in the weather, the Afghanistan vs New Zealand Test match hangs in the balance. If the conditions don’t improve soon, this Test could end without a toss, robbing fans of a much-anticipated contest between two competitive teams.
While everyone remains hopeful for better conditions, the reality is that the weather is unpredictable, and it may be too late to recover enough time for meaningful play. For now, all eyes remain on the skies, as the fate of the Test match rests in the hands of the weather gods.