Continued rain during the 5th and last day enforced the third test between India and New Zealand in Wellington into a draw. Nevertheless, India clinched the test-series by 1-0 after their win in Hamilton and draw in Napier. It was India's first series win in New Zealand after a gap of 41 years. India's Gautam Gambhir was declared as man of the match for his thumping 167 runs in the second innings.

 

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and elected to field. Though India got some initial jolt, the tail- enders put up a brave fight to reach the score to 379/10. Sachin Tendulkar was the highest scorer with 62 runs followed by Harbhajan Singh (60) and M.S. Dhoni (52). Chrish Martin was the top wicket-taker with 4 wickets. In its reply New Zealand team was bundled out with 197/10. Ross Taylor put some resistance by scoring 42 runs. Zaheer Khan's 5 wicket haul and Harbhajan's 3 wickets almost wrecked the host's innings.

 

Leading by 182 runs India piled up 434/7 (declared) in the second innings with the help of superb century of by Gambhir (167). Dravid (60), Laxman (61) and Dhoni (56) also contributed with their bat. Martin again was the top bowler with 3 wickets.

 

Chasing a big total of 616, the host came under intense pressure and lost their wickets early. Only Ross Taylor showed some character by scoring a century (107). The rain began early in the afternoon session on Tuesday (7th April) with the Kiwis on 281-8, and play was called off two hours later. While Harbhajan took 4 wickets, Zaheer and Tendulkar got 2 each.