Third Test, Napier, day five (close):
Pakistan 223 & 455 drew with New Zealand 471 & 90-0
Match scorecard

Watling's aggressive knock was cut short by the weather

New Zealand were denied the chance to claim a series victory over Pakistan when the final day of the third Test in Napier was cut short by rain.

Daniel Vettori and Tim Southee took two wickets apiece as Pakistan collapsed from their overnight 347-4 to 455.

That left New Zealand needing 208 to win and BJ Watling led the charge with a six and nine fours in his 60 off 62 balls as the Black Caps raced to 90-0.

The game ended when drizzle turned into a downpour to leave the series 1-1.

A draw had always looked the most likely outcome after Pakistan's Umar Akmal edged his way to his half century off the second ball of the morning.

But Misbah-ul-Haq missed an attempted slog off Vettori and was stumped by Brendon McCullum, who also caught an Akmal top edge to leave the tourists on 397-6.

Skipper Vettori removed Mohammad Aamer three balls before lunch, while Iain O'Brien, playing in his final Test, further raised New Zealand's hopes when he had Umar Gul caught by Daniel Flynn after the break.

606: DEBATE What more could you want from test cricket than what has been seen in this series between Pakistan and New Zealand? KingKhanWorldChamp

Kamran Akmal smashed Vettori for six over mid-wicket after reaching his half century, but Danish Kaneria and Mohammad Asif were unable to match his rearguard resistance.

Knowing they needed to be aggressive in their run chase, Watling smashed four boundaries off Gul and hit Kaneria for a six and a four in the same over.

However, Tim McIntosh produced a more restrained innings and was 23 not out off 54 balls when the deluge brought a premature end to proceedings at 1845 local time.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf admitted the Napier rain had saved his side, saying: "We were lucky. Allah helped us because of rain, otherwise it would be difficult to defend 208 on this track.

Vettori felt his side were unfortunate not to edge an absorbing series.

"We were denied an opportunity this afternoon so we look back on that with a bit of disappointment," he said.

"I am pleased we fought long and hard enough to give ourselves a chance. It was a pretty competitive series."

Pakistan have strengthened their squad by recalling pace bowler Mohammad Sami for the forthcoming tour to Australia.

The 28-year-old will join the rest of the players once documents confirming that he has severed his ties with the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League (ICL) have been received.

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