Rain again cut into the second Test as New Zealand took a first-innings lead against Pakistan in Hamilton.

Only 38.1 overs were bowled at Seddon Park as rain impacted the Test again on day three on Sunday.

Pakistan were bowled out for 216 – a deficit of 55 – before the hosts faced just a ball to be 0-0 at stumps.

Tim Southee (6-80) again did most of the damage for the Black Caps, who are well placed for a 2-0 series win despite the weather.

Pakistan resumed with purpose at 76-5, and Henry Nicholls dropped Sarfraz Ahmed at mid-wicket.

Sarfraz was aggressive, at one stage hitting Southee for three boundaries in back-to-back overs.

But he went for 41 off 44 balls, slashing a Neil Wagner (3-59) delivery to Jeet Raval at second slip.

Sohail Khan took over from him with Babar Azam (90 not out) with a 47-ball 37 before he edged to BJ Watling off Southee.

Wahab Riaz (0) lasted just five balls, however, before being trapped in front by Colin de Grandhomme (1-29) and wasting a review.

Rain brought an early lunch and a long delay, but play did resume – Southee completing his five-for by removing Mohammad Amir (5).

Southee took another as Azam was left stranded on 90, before rain once again intervened.