Rain Halts First Day of New Zealand-Afghanistan Test

Heavy rain caused match officials to abandon the opening day's play of the New Zealand vs. Afghanistan test in Greater Noida. Despite no rain on Monday, the outfield remained too wet, leading to inspections and ultimately, the decision to call off the day. Afghanistan hosts 'home' matches at this venue.

A wet outfield caused by overnight rain prompted match officials to call off the opening day's play in the one-off test between New Zealand and Afghanistan in Greater Noida on Monday.

Heavy rain in the last 10 days had left little prospect of any action on the opening day at the stadium in Greater Noida, near Delhi, which has only a basic drainage system.

While there was no fresh shower on Monday, the outfield and the bowler's run-up area were both wet and the umpires undertook several inspections before calling off the day's play. Afghanistan play their 'home' matches at the venue because touring teams are not ready to visit the country over security concerns.

The match marks the first of New Zealand's six tests in Asia in the next two months, including two in Sri Lanka and three against India.

(With inputs from agencies.)