AFG vs NZ: Full list of Test matches abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain

In an unfortunate turn of events to their third Test in India, Afghanistan’s one-off match against New Zealand at the Greater Noida Stadium Complex was called off for a third successive day to persistent rain.

On Tuesday, an under-par outfield added to the woes as the rains stood clear of the venue for a considerable time. However, heavy overnight showers have dampened the outfield, deeming the state unfit for the start of the game on Wednesday. The Test is only the third match held in India with neutral teams in action, following Afghanistan’s contests against Ireland and West Indies in 2019.

Even as the toss has yet to take place in the Test, match referee Javagal Srinath will only abandon the game on Day 5 if conditions continue to play spoilsport.

Incidentally, only seven of the previous 2548 Test matches have ever been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. The first three such instances are marked Australia and England in the Ashes in 1890, 1938 and 1970 – twice in London and once in Melbourne. The other four instances have occured between 1989 and 1998 and none have taken place in the 21st century.

India and New Zealand were the last pair to see a complete washout, during their meeting in Carisbrook, Dunedin in December 1998.

Test No: 34 – Australia vs England

25-08-1890: Old Trafford, Manchester Australia & England

Test No. 34a was the first match to be abandoned due to rain. Moreover, the captains did not even come out together for a toss for the entire game.

Test No: 264 – Australia vs England

08-07-1938: Old Trafford, Manchester

Test No. 264a was also abandoned due to rain. There was no toss.

Test No: 675 – Australia vs England

31-12-1970: Melbourne Cricket Ground

During Test No. 675a, as the players were entering the field, it started to rain. There was a discussion between the MCC Manager, the Australian Board and 2 MCC officials and it was concluded that a limited overs match should be played and this match was later admitted to be the first ODI.

Test No: 1113 – New Zealand vs Pakistan
03-02-1989: Carisbrook, Dunedin

In Test No. 1113a, as there was heavy sweeping rain, the match was abandoned on 3rd February 1989. Also, it was planned that an ODI would be played on 6th February 1989 and this ODI was played as per schedule.

Test No: 1140 – England vs West Indies
10-03-1990: Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana

Test No. 1140a was abandoned due to rain. On the 5th day of this match, an ODI was played.

Test No: 1434 – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
17-12-1998 Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

No teams were announced for Test No. 1434a.

Test No: 1434 – New Zealand vs India
18-12-1998: Carisbrook, Dunedin

Test No. 1434b was abandoned on the 3rd day. It was decided that on the 4th day, an unofficial One day match would be played.

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