AFG vs NZ: Persistent rain threatens to abandon match after fourth day washed out

The much-anticipated one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground remains in limbo as rain has once again disrupted play.

 The fourth day of the Test was called off, following the abandonment of the first three days due to wet outfield conditions.

Despite the early morning efforts to cover the majority of the ground, ESPNcricinfo reports that the toss, which had yet to take place, has been further delayed. The persistent rain has rendered the outfield unplayable, leaving fans and players in anticipation.

Star all-rounder Rashid Khan was also ruled out of the Test due to a back injury sustained during Afghanistan's domestic T20 tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League (SCL), where he represented the Speen Ghar Tigers (SGT). Rashid’s absence is a significant setback for Afghanistan, which was hoping to leverage his skills against the Black Caps.

The Black Caps arrived in India on Thursday with a strong spin-bowling contingent. Their squad includes Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips, all of whom are expected to play a crucial role in the Test.

Ahead of the match, Afghan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed hopes for a consistent and favorable venue in India. Reflecting on Afghanistan’s cricketing journey, Shahidi noted the significance of having a reliable ground in India, which has been pivotal in their development. 

"If you see, India is our home, and when we host teams, the other nations have played more cricket than us here," Shahidi said.

"So hopefully we will get one good venue here in India, and we stick with that. If we stick with one venue, it will be more effective for us," he added.

Squads:

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Riaz Hassan, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Shahidullah Kamal, Gulbadin Naib, Afsar Zazai (WK), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ziaurrahman Akbar, Shamsurrahman, Qais Ahmad, Zahir Khan, Nijat Masoud, Farid Ahmad Malik, Naveed Zadran, Khalil Ahmad and Yama Arab.

New Zealand: Tim Southee (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (VC), Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson and Will Young.