Rain halts Kiwi progress, Napier Test drawn
The third and final Test between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a draw at Napier on December 15 when rain forced the match to be called off when the home team still needed 118 for victory with 23 overs still remaining. The three-Test series thus ended in a 1-1 draw.
Needing 208 for victory on the final day, New Zealand were stopped on their way at 90 without loss with debutant Bradley-Joe Watling going great guns on a brisk 60. His opening partner Tim McIntosh remained not out with 23.
Trailing by 248 runs in the first innings, Pakistan made 455 in the second innings with good contributions from the top order. While skipper Mohammad Yousuf top-scored with 89, Umar Akmal (77), Salman Butt (66), Imran Farhat (61) and Kamran Akmal (56 not out) batted well. Part-time spinner Martin Guptill took 3 for 37, while skipper Daniel Vettori, Ian O’Brien and Tim Southee bagged two each.
Vettori (134) scored his fifth Test century to lead his team to a first innings total of 471. He got useful support from Brendon McCullum (89) and McIntosh (74). Even Daryl Tuffey played a fine innings of unbeaten 80. Danish Kaneria was the most successful bowler claiming 7 for 168.
Imran Farhat got his third Test century and carried his bat through the innings to remain not out on 117 in Pakistan’s first innings score of 223. O’Brien, playing his last Test, bowled a great spell to finish with 4 for 35. Tuffey polished off the tail by taking 4 for 52.
Watling was named Man of the Match.
Brief scores: Pakistan 223 (Farhat 117*: O’Brien 4/35, Tuffey 4/52) and 455 (Yousuf 89, U Akmal 77, Butt 66, Farhat 61, K Akmal 56*; Guptill 3/37); New Zealand 471 (Vettori 134, McCullum 89, Tuffey 80*, McIntosh 74; Kaneria 7/168) and 90 for no loss (Watling 60*). Match drawn.
