The first day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand has been called off due to rain in Bengaluru. The city has been experiencing heavy rainfall since last night and the downpour continued into this morning, leaving match officials unable to start the game amid the persistent drizzle.
With the World Test Championship on the horizon, the stakes are rising, along with the frustration caused by rain disrupting crucial matches. The highly anticipated Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru was especially significant, given the WTC points table. However, the first day of the match was thwarted by relentless rain.
Heavy rainfall had been prevalent since yesterday, leading both teams to cancel their practice sessions. While the rain paused for a brief period last night, it resumed early this morning. Both sides arrived at the stadium on time, but few players ventured out to the ground as the downpour continued. Match officials conducted inspections, but early lunch and tea breaks were called as a precaution. There was still some optimism that play could commence once the rain ceased, thanks to the excellent drainage system at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
However, as the dark clouds loomed overhead, hopes for a game began to fade. Ultimately, around 2:30 PM IST, match officials decided to call off the day, citing no chance of play as the rain continued to come and go. All hopes now rest on tomorrow with the toss scheduled for 8:45 AM.
Washed away
Day 1 of the #INDvsNZ Test washed out because of no rain. But it’s incredible with the amount of rain Bengaluru has received that the ground is still in top notch condition. That’s where sub-air comes in. Hope we get some 🔆 on day 2 pic.twitter.com/XQpMoU4lBL
— Ashish Pant (@ashishpant43) October 16, 2024
Day 1 of the India vs New Zealand match washed out by rain.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/aKc6HUwUub
— Alok Tiwari (@aloktiwariup43) October 16, 2024
Called off
Rain alert
⛈️ Day 1 of the first #INDvNZ Test in Bengaluru has been completely washed out.
🤞🏻Let’s hope for better weather tomorrow!#INDvsNZ #TeamIndia #BharatArmy #COTI🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/WLcxzLrHWP— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) October 16, 2024
As Expected Day 1 Called off At Chinnaswamy.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/DjXs9ae06y
— HomeLander_Raj (@RajHomelander) October 16, 2024
Drizzle
Bye bye
The day one called off due to still raining in Bengaluru. Hopefully tomorrow get some good news .
The cricket fans right now 😭😭..! pic.twitter.com/dume3rqiw4— Vinod Vishwakarma 🇮🇳 (@vinodku76635814) October 16, 2024
Play called off, Day 1 completely washed out. Hopefully, we get most of the overs tomorrow. We will need cricket on the rest of the days to get a result, winning in 2 days is not possible in every other match.
— Vipul Ghatol 🇮🇳 (@Vipul_Espeaks) October 16, 2024
Update
Spoiler
“Rain has washed out Day 1 of the 1st Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru. With the weather forecast remaining uncertain, the match hangs in the balance. Fingers crossed for some play tomorrow! 🌧️🏏 #INDvNZ #Cricket“
— Shrini (@Naik_shrinee) October 16, 2024