At Auckland, March 13, 14, 16, 17. Drawn. New Zealand struggled successfully to avoid defeat and save the series, their ninth-wicket pair defying the attack for the final ten minutes.

Goddard and Barlow gave South Africa a fine start, putting on 115, and upon this solid foundation Bland capitalised with an aggressive innings of 83.

New Zealand suffered a set-back with the early departure of Bradburn and only a maiden test century by the diminutive Sinclair enabled them to get within 108 of the South African total. Sinclair batted 345 minutes, hitting twenty-two 4's and his 138 was the highest Test innings by a New Zealander in New Zealand.

South Africa made another good beginning and their declaration at 200 for five left New Zealand to make 309 in 313 minutes. Gedye hit a fine 55, but when he left, followed quickly by Sinclair, all hopes of a New Zealand victory disappeared. Dick, who figured prominently in the second test rearguard action, found a valuable partner in Cunis and together they staved off defeat.