Pakistan won the final T20 cricket match of their tour of New Zealand, beating the Black Caps by four wickets in a close finish in Napier on Tuesday night.
Pakistan opening batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Chasing 174, Pakistan made their best start of the series with the bat putting together an opening partnership of 40 runs.
Pakistan opening batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored his highest T20 international score of 89 from 59 to guide his side into the final over the match.
His previous high score was 33.
Mohammad Hafeez was the other major contributor with the bat scoring 41.
Two wickets in two balls from veteran Black Caps bowler Tim Southee in the 19th over nearly turned the match in the home side's favour but the Pakistan players were able to hold their nerve to secure victory.
Substitute fielder Daryl Mitchell also made an impact for the New Zealanders catching three Pakistan batsmen - including pulling off a difficult overhead grab with his first touch of the ball.
Earlier in the match, a late flurry from Black Caps newbie Devon Conway, who scored 63 off 45 balls, helped to boost the New Zealand innings.
It was Conway's second half century in six games for New Zealand.
Black Cap Devon Conway. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand lost early wickets with opener Martin Guptill (19) and captain Kane Williamson (1) both dismissed within the first six overs before the form batsman of the series, Tim Seifert, followed them back to the shed in the eighth over after scoring 35 off 20 balls.
The setting sun caused some disruption for both teams and the umpires called a four-minute break in play in the 12th over to wait for the sun to move off the McLean Park wicket.
Not long after the short break Glenn Phillips was out for 31.
A late cameo of 14 off six balls for bowler Scott Kuggeleijn helped edge up New Zealand's total.
Pakistan cricketers congratulate bowler Faheem Ashraf. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Faheem Ashraf was the best of the visitors bowlers picking up 3-20 off his four overs.
New Zealand also lost Guptill to a finger injury sustained early in the fielding session and spinner Ish Sodhi, in his 50th T20 international, to a hamstring injury.
The teams now switch format with the first of two Test matches starting in Mount Maunganui on Boxing Day.
Look back at the match commentary in Tuesday's final T20 game here.