Black Ferns wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout and Pakistan batter Aliya Riaz. Photo: photosport
The White Ferns have suffered their first-ever Twenty20 loss to Pakistan in a flat start to their home summer of cricket.
The tourists eased to a seven-wicket win in Dunedin on Sunday to go one-up in the three-match series, rarely bothered in their pursuit of New Zealand's 127-6.
Aliya Riaz brought up victory with a six over the short University Oval's boundary as Pakistan reached 132 for three with 10 balls still to spare.
White Ferns captain Sophie Devine labelled her team's batting effort "disappointing" after winning the toss but failing to build any momentum through their 20 overs until Maddy Green struck a late 43 not out off 28 balls.
Seamer Fatima Sana (3-18) removed the first three New Zealand batters to put her team on top and Devine said Green showed how to best handle Pakistan's bowling attack by moving around the crease to create scoring opportunities.
Pakistan's required run rate was always on song, taking advantage of some loose White Ferns bowling in unseasonally cold temperatures.
The hosts desperately missed the leg spin of the world class Amelia Kerr, who was on duty for her Brisbane Heat in the Australian women's Big Bash League final on Saturday.
Opener Shawall Zulfiqar top-scored for Pakistan with 41 before Riaz struck a rapid, unbeaten 25 off 12 balls to see the tourists home ahead of Tuesday's second match, also at University Oval.