Help from heavens for Pak; Kiwi hopes dampen

Help from heavens for Pak; Kiwi hopes dampen
Associated Press

Hamilton, March 28: Persistent rain today delayed New Zealand’s charge for an early series-leveling victory in the third and final Test against Pakistan. The second day’s play was washed out without a ball being bowled. New Zealand remain at 160 without loss, with Matthew Bell unbeaten on 89 and Mark Richardson not out 64.

The Black Caps notched the 56-run first innings lead by stumps on the opening day after skittling Pakistan’s batting lineup for 104. The Seddon Park wicket square remained covered all day today and the two match officials - Kiwi Steve Dunne and Australia’s Daryl Harper - called off play soon after the scheduled lunch interval.

It was only the second time a full day’s play had been washed out in a Test here since the first day was rained out in a New Zealand vs Zimbabwe Test in January 1996. Play will start 30 minutes early and close 30 minutes late on each of the remaining three days of play as organisers attempt to make up for some of the lost time. On an eventful first day, 16 overs were lost due to bad light. After being sent into bat, Pakistan was bundled out inside 27 overs largely due to some reckless batting as swing bowlers Daryl Tuffey (4-39) and Chris Martin (4-52) shared the spoils. Pakistan lead the three-match series 1-0.