Series win against Pakistan pleases New Zealand skipper Vettori

New Zealand survived Mohammad Aamer's explosive half-century to clinch the series against Pakistan with a narrow seven-run victory in the third one-day international here yesterday.

New Zealand survived Mohammad Aamer's explosive half-century to clinch the series against Pakistan with a narrow seven-run victory in the third one-day international here yesterday.

Kiwis have claws: The New Zealanders celebrate their ODI series win over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi yesterday. PIC/AFP

Aamer, 17, hit an unbeaten 73 for his maiden half-century - the highest score by a No 10 batsman in a one-day international to bring Pakistan, chasing 212, close to an unexpected victory after they were 101-9.

Pakistan were bowled out for 204, giving New Zealand a sensational 2-1 victory in the three-match series.

Aamer and Ajmal added a Pakistan record of 103 for the tenth wicket but, needing eight off the last over bowled by Jacob Oram, Ajmal holed out for a career-best 33 to end a sensational match. New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori admitted Aamer gave them a scare.

"They played brilliantly for the last wicket, but we knew that it's a matter of just one wicket and then we got it," said Vettori.u00a0 "It's a great series win and very pleasing."

Younus blamed the loss to lack of early partnerships. "We didn't have big partnerships and in the end it was sensational to come so close," said Younus who lost his third one-day series as captain since taking over in January.