Pakistan beats NZ in 5th ODI; win series 3-1

Hamilton: Ahmed Shehzad hit his maiden one-day international century today to guide Pakistan to a 41-run win over New Zealand in the 5th one-day cricket international, clinching the six-match series.

Shehzad made 115 from 104 balls as Pakistan posted 268-9 in its 50 overs after being sent in to bat on a slow pitch.

Umar Akmal made 32, the next-best score, and Misbah ul-Haq (25) and Shahid Afridi (24) – rivals for Pakistan’s World Cup captaincy – offered support as Pakistan reached a moderate but competitive total.

In reply, New Zealand was bowled out for 227 in 46.5 overs, with stand-in captain Ross Taylor top scoring with 69 and Martin Guptill making 65. The pair put on 69 for New Zealand’s third wicket but their separation prompted the steady decline of the New Zealand innings.