29 Mar 2017

Weather denies Black Caps historic win

3:02 pm on 29 March 2017

The third and final cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa in Hamilton has been abandoned without a ball being bowled on the fifth and final day.

Rain has fallen throughout the day, leaving the Seddon Park ground sodden, with umpires officially calling off the test at 1.20pm and the match ending in a draw.

That means South Africa win the three-match series one-nil, after their eight-wicket win in Wellington in game two.

Heavy overnight rain in Hamilton has made the prospect of play unlikely.

Photo: NZ Cricket

The third test abandonment leaves the Black Caps frustrated at missing out on their first win over South Africa in more than a decade.

South Africa were on the ropes at 80-5, still 95 runs in arrears of New Zealand's first innings total of 489.

South African captain Faf du Plessis and wicket keeper Quinton de Kock were both on 15, and were the last recognised batsmen for the tourists - holding the key to the match.

Look back at live commentary of the match here

The match was the last of the summer for the Black Caps, with their next assignment being the Champions Trophy one-day competition in Britain in June.

They have warm-up matches for that tournament against Bangladesh and Ireland in May.