AFG v NZ | Rain-soaked outfield rules out second day of play

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Debayan Sinha
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Concerns over the wet outfield persisted in Greater Noida, leading to the abandonment of Day 2 of the Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand. Despite multiple inspections by match officials, damp patches remained in the outfield, leaving them with no choice but to call off play for the day.

‌The second day of the Test match at Greater Noida was greeted by bright sunshine but disappointment inevitably followed. A heavy downpour the previous evening, much like the day before, had further deteriorated the ground conditions.

Though the skies remained clear throughout the morning and afternoon, the rain from the night before had left the field in an unplayable state, posing a daunting task for the groundsmen. Despite their tireless efforts — including using table fans to dry the damp patches and bringing over patches of grass from the training fields to patch up the main ground — the outfield showed no signs of recovery. Player safety remained the top priority.

As Tea time approached, the umpires were cautiously optimistic but to no avail. While the New Zealand and Afghan players whiled their time with a practice session, having left their hotels for the field hoping for a game, it became clear that the field wouldn’t be ready for play. Grounds staff worked relentlessly with the super soppers which had been running since the previous day.

In the end, the day’s play was officially called off after a fional inspection at 3 PM IST, leaving cricket fans hoping for better conditions tomorrow with play scheduled to resume at 9:30 AM on the third day.

This is getting bad!

Day by day it's getting worse!

Again and again!

That was not in the books again!

They are working so hard!

Repeat!

What about tomorrow?

Damn it!!!

Feels so low to see this!

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