In the long history of test cricket, only seven matches have been abandoned without a single ball being bowled. The most recent instance was in 1998 at Carisbrook in Dunedin when New Zealand was set to play India. On that occasion, rain disrupted play on the third day, leading to the match being called off.
The Black Caps have had their fair share of matches affected by rain. In a 2008 game against Bangladesh in Mirpur, the first three days were washed out, resulting in a draw. Jesse Ryder stood out with a score of 91 in New Zealand’s first innings, while captain Dan Vettori took 5/66 with the ball.
Another instance of rain playing spoilsport was in 2016 when the Black Caps faced South Africa in Durban. After South Africa posted 263 in their first innings, New Zealand were 15/2 when rain interrupted play on day two, leading to the remainder of the match being abandoned.
Afghanistan, a relatively new entrant to test cricket, was granted test status in 2017 and this match marked only their 10th scheduled appearance in the format.
Following this abandoned test, New Zealand was scheduled to travel to Sri Lanka for two tests followed by a three-match series in India.
