Joseph Hoover

Wellington, Apr 7 (PTI) India recorded their first series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years though rain denied them a deserving victory in the third cricket Test here today.

Rain played spoilsport in India’s push for a 2-0 series win on the fifth and final day and the hosts escaped with a draw after they were down 281 for eight in the post-lunch session in chase of a near impossible 617 for a win.

The visitors will have to be content with a 1-0 victory in the three-match Test series after India won the first match in Hamilton by 10 wickets and drawing the second in Napier.

Despite the draw today, India ended their long wait of 41 years to win a Test series in New Zealand after Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi-led side drubbed the Kiwis 3-1 in 1968.

The Indians, who outplayed the Kiwis throughout the match, were well on course for a victory by conjuring up four wickets in just over a session before light rain stopped play 30 minutes into post lunch session. Daniel Vettori on 15 was at the crease at that time alongwith Iain O’Brien (19).

There was a glimmer of hope for India recording their 100th Test victory as covers were taken off for a short while to resume the post-lunch session half an hour after stoppage.

That hope disappeared as rain returned immediately and light shower turned into heavy downpour. The match was finally called off at 1015 hrs IST, nearly one and half hours before scheduled close. PTI