NZ, Pakistan draw final Test

Napier - Rain eventually spoiled what could have been a ripper of a final session in the third and final Test between New Zealand and Pakistan in Napier on Tuesday, as the match and series ended in a draw. 

New Zealand were 90 without loss, needing another 118 runs of a potential 23 overs to clinch the series in their favour, when the rain - that had continuously plagued the Test - eventually called an end to proceedings.

JB Watling gave the hosts the best possible start with a spirited half-century and his attacking style was complemented by a patient Tim McIntosh (23 off 54 balls).

Watling finished unbeaten on 60, his 61-ball innings included nine boundaries and one maximum.

Earlier, Pakistan were dismissed for 455, with brothers Umar and Kamran Akmal both recording half-centuries.

Part-time off-spinner Martin Guptill bagged three surprise wickets, and Tim Southee, Iain O'Brien and Daniel Vettori all took two wickets each.

Teams:

New Zealand: TG McIntosh, BJ Watling, MJ Guptill, DR Flynn, LRPL Taylor, DL Vettori (capt), BB McCullum (wk), TG Southee, DR Tuffey, IE O'Brien, CS Martin.

Pakistan: Salman Butt, Imran Farhat, Faisal Iqbal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf (capt), Umar Akmal, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Aamer, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Danish Kaneria.