Rain Forces Draw in Napier Test and Series

Napier: Rain had the final word in the third and final Test between New Zealand and Pakistan here on Tuesday as the two sides finished the three-match series at 1-1.

Chasing 208 to win the match and the series, New Zealand were stranded at 90 without loss in 19 overs when the heavens opened up.

Bradley Watling and Tim McIntosh were unbeaten on 60 and 23 respectively.

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori, who hit a superb century in the first innings, was named man of the match.

Earlier in the morning, the hosts wrapped up Pakistan's innings for 455 runs just after lunch, leaving themselves a chase at almost five an over.

They were in a great position to win the match and series, and it was cruel that the weather gods conspired against them.

Pakistan now head to Australia for a three-match Test series and limited overs series as well, while New Zealand have a break for some time before they host Bangladesh and Australia at home.

Brief scores
Pakistan: 223( Farhat 117*, O'Brien 4-35, Tuffey 4-52) and 455 (Yousuf 89, Umar 77)
New Zealand: 471 (Vettori 134, McCullum 89, Kaneria 7-168) and 90 for 0 (Watling 60*, McIntosh 23*)
Result: Drawn
Series: 3 match series level 1-1
MOM: DL Vettori (New Zealand)

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