The first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has been drawn after Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews held strong until play was washed out.

Mendis and Mathews batted through the entirety of day four as Sri Lanka resumed their innings on 259-3, needing 37 runs to make New Zealand bat again in Wellington.

The pair completed a 250-run partnership from 603 balls as Mathews took a single in the fifth over of the day, but only seven more were possible in the morning session as Sri Lanka made 287-3.

Both appeared intent to dull the New Zealand attack, but showed the occasional desire to attack with Mendis (141 not out) getting a pair of boundaries off the bowling of Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

Mathews added three to his overnight score to make 120 before an early lunch was taken as the rain fell and play called off a few hours later. The second Test starts in Christchurch on Boxing Day.

It was the only time in New Zealand that a full day’s play in a Test had been completed without a wicket falling, and the first time anywhere since South Africa managed the feat against Bangladesh in Chittagong in 2008.

The partnership was also a Sri Lankan record against the Black Caps. The draw ended Sri Lanka’s four-Test losing streak on New Zealand soil.