Two-ball win gives NZ ODI series

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.

For the decider game, Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali won the toss and opted to bat. 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’s dismissal, Pakistan were 207-3 with 20 overs remaining. 

But they soon ran out of steam with their last six wickets falling for 63 runs and they were all out for 290 with 15 balls remaining.