Cricket: Rain ends whitewash bid

The New Zealand under-19 cricket team won their "test" series against their South African counterparts 2-0 after the third and final match of the series ended in a draw at Pukekura Park, New Plymouth yesterday.

With more than a hour of playing time remaining yesterday evening, the captains agreed on a draw and an early finish.

It was a predictable outcome after days two and three were lost to the weather.

Play on the final day got under way on time, and New Zealand resumed at 266 for seven.

Sam Whiteman added only four runs to his total before being bowled in the third over of the first session. Iain Robertson joined Andrew Ellis, and the partnership added 54 runs before Ellis was caught at point off the bowling of Monde Zondeki on 68, his top score and second 60 of the three-match series.

Robertson was the last to go, lbw bowled Zondeki. New Zealand were dismissed for 335.

When stumps were drawn South Africa were 181 for four, with stylish righthander Hashim Amla not out on 76 and Michael Price on 20.

The management of both teams praised the efforts of ground staff for the work they did to allow play to start on time yesterday.

"They've done very well, especially when considering we've had about four inches of rain during the match," South African co-coach Hylton Ackerman said.

"It's just disappointing the weather didn't play its part on the other two days.

"I'm sure it would have been a very good game."

The teams now move to Taupo to play the first of three one-day matches on Friday.

The outstanding performer in the series was New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.

He clocked up centuries in all three matches, including making an even 100 on the opening day at Pukekura Park.

- NZPA