Persistent rain forced the abandonment of the fourth day's play in the third and final Test between New Zealand and West Indies at Napier on Tuesday.

Overnight storms had left the McLean Park outfield waterlogged with more showers forecast for later in the day and no real prospect of play.

The match is now almost certain to end in a draw after the third day was also abandoned without a ball being bowled and less than 80 overs were completed on the first two days because of the foul weather.

West Indies were to resume their first innings on 256 for four with Runako Morton unbeaten on 70 and Dwayne Bravo not out 22 and New Zealand yet to start their first innings.

New Zealand have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after winning the first Test in Auckland by 27 runs then the second in Wellington by 10 wickets.