Time in the middle Pakistan's reward at Auckland

Close Pakistan 318 and 201 for 5 drew with Auckland 222

Pakistan's batsmen, who missed out in the first innings of their tour opener against Auckland at Eden Park, took the opportunity to get some valuable time in the middle during the second innings, as the match petered out to a tame draw.

Auckland batted on till the third day, and were eventually dismissed for 222 with Danish Kaneria taking 5 for 70 runs from 32.1 overs.

And while Pakistan lost their first two wickets for 24 runs, Yousuf Youhana and Inzamam-ul-Haq combined to put on 121 runs. Youhana was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, but he showed the sort of scoring touches Pakistan will be hoping from him at Hamilton in the first Test starting on Friday.

His half-century came off 62 balls as he and Inzamam took a liking to Auckland's opening bowlers Paul Hitchcock and Kerry Walmsley, who have both recently returned from New Zealand's tour to Pakistan. But it was Brooke Walker, the Auckland captain and legspinner, who had him caught for 67 off 95 balls. While Hitchcock claimed the wickets of both openers, his 10 overs went for 56 runs. Walmsley did no better with 42 runs off seven overs.

Inzamam's dismissal, also to Walker, was a controversial one, as he appeared reluctant to accept the umpire's decision that he had been caught at the wicket by Reece Young. The ball flicked his bat on to his pad and Young dived full-length to take the chance. However, no action was taken on the matter by the match umpires, Doug Cowie and Dave Quested.

The rain-affected game ended with Pakistan on 201 for 5. Pakistan now travel to Hamilton prepare for the first Test.