The New Zealand cricket captain Dan Vettori says they knew any hope of a win in the first test against India disappeared when the hosts lead got past 250.
At the start of play on the final day India was 82 for six, but a match saving 163 run seventh wicket stand between Hahbahjan Singh who made 115 and VVS Laxman with 91 secured India an overall lead of 295 and denied the Black Caps the possibility of their first test win in India in over 20 years.
New Zealand was 22 for one when play was called off.
Vettori says the the most pleasing aspect of the draw was the marked improvement by the top order batting.
Going into the match the Black Caps weren't expected to last the five days against the world's top ranked test nation, particularly after the recent disastrous tour of Bangladesh.
Kane Williamson and Jesse Ryder both scored hundreds in the first innings and Vettori says the key to success in India is centuries.
The second test starts in Hydrabad on Friday.
