AUCKLAND : A record partnership by Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson gave New Zealand victory with two balls to spare in a tense third one-dayer against Pakistan in Auckland today.
The three-wicket win in the rain-abridged match also wrapped up the series for New Zealand 2-0.
Initially set a target of 291 to win, New Zealand made a disastrous start with Brendon McCullum out for a first-ball duck.
But Guptill and Williamson restored order with a 159-run stand, a New Zealand ODI record for the second wicket, to set the side up before a lengthy rain delay shortened the match by seven overs.
When play resumed, New Zealand were set a revised target of 53 off 45 balls, which they reached with two balls to spare and with the help of a contentious umpire’s call.
With 27 balls remaining and New Zealand still 38 runs short of their target, Corey Anderson appeared to have been caught behind but was given not out and Pakistan had used up their review.
The ODI series win added to New Zealand’s golden summer after they also beat Pakistan 2-1 in the Twenty20s and beat Sri Lanka in Tests, ODIs and Twenty20s.
In the decider against Pakistan, Azhar Ali won the toss and opted to bat first which initially proved productive.
While Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez were together it looked like they would threaten the Eden Park ODI innings record of 340.
Even with Hafeez back in the pavilion, Pakistan were 207-3 with 20 overs remaining. (AGENCIES)
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