New Zealand v South Africa: Rain washes out final day

The umpires waited until the end of the scheduled lunch break before announcing there was no prospect of play as the rain continued to fall.

South Africa's Dean Elgar celebrates after scoring a century during the first Test against New Zealand.

The first Test between New Zealand and South Africa in Dunedin was abandoned as a draw Sunday when rain washed out the final day's play.

The umpires waited until the end of the scheduled lunch break before announcing there was no prospect of play as the rain continued to fall.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

At stumps on day four, South Africa had been 224 for six in its second innings, a lead of 191 runs.

"To put partnerships together against the very good attack they have was a good effort," said New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson.

"You always want more, which never goes away no matter how many you get, but it was nice to get a little lead going into that second innings."

South African captain Faf du Plessis felt the rain had ruined a potential victory, with the Proteas set to capitalise on New Zealand's injury woes.

"When a Test match finishes on a day like today it's very frustrating," he said.

"If today was a full day of cricket, we felt with (New Zealand) one seamer down and one of their main batters out of the team we fancied our chances. It's very disappointing from that point of view.

"We were 190 ahead on a wicket that was spinning quite a bit, purely on the match position if we got 50-60 more runs, a 250 lead and set them that in 50-60 overs, we'd fancy our chances."

The second Test starts in Wellington on Thursday.

The last time New Zealand played South Africa in Dunedin, in 2012, New Zealand needed 264 to win with eight wickets in hand when rain washed out the final day.