South Africa clinched the New Zealand series 1-0 as they fifth day of the third Test was washed out owing to incessant rain. South Africa were 80/5 and 95 runs short of making the Kiwis bat in the second innings.

They were near the finish line on day four with Quinton de Kock and South African skipper Faf du Plessis at the crease. The duo had planned to block all day to draw the Test.

“It’s a real fair assessment to say we got saved by the rain,” said du Plessis. “We were still very driven in making sure we do whatever it takes to get through but if you look realistically at the odds, New Zealand can count themselves very unlucky.”

The draw ensured that the Proteas won the series 1-0 after winning the second Test in Wellington.

“Obviously very frustrating, coming into the last day with a lot to play for,” said New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. “Saying that, we were probably quite fortunate to play as much cricket as we did in this Test. Overall, we have to look at this game as a really positive game and one that was potentially one of our best Test performances of the home summer.”

For South Africa the narrow win also ensured that they rose to the No. 2 spot in the Test rankings.

“We didn’t play great cricket but we still won,” du Plessis added. “We had a roadmap of how we can get there and visualised getting there, and we are here today. Although I am disappointed with this Test, it doesn’t take away the unbelievable achievements we’ve had this season.”