New Zealand match moves inexorably toward draw

The opening match of Pakistan's cricket tour of New Zealand crept toward a draw yesterday as Auckland reached 164-5 on the second day in reply to the tourists' first innings of 318.

The three-day match at Eden Park served its principal purpose of providing Pakistan with practice in New Zealand conditions ahead of the first of two test matches starting Friday in Hamilton.

However, the touring bowlers tasted only sporadic success on a wicket of even pace and bounce.

Pacemen Mohammad Sami and Shoaib Akhtar, who loom as the major threat to New Zealand in the test series, jointly managed only one dismissal.

Shoaib finished the second day with 1-25 from 10 overs and Sami with 0-51 from 14 overs, including 11 no balls.

Shabbir Ahmed, who took 2-24 from 14 overs, was the most successful bowler, claiming the wicket of New Zealand test opener Mark Richardson for 23.