New Zealand seal ODI series

Corey Anderson survived a huge appeal before smashing New Zealand to victory in the third and final one-day worldwide of their series against Pakistan and ensure the hosts completed a 2-0 sweep.

Still, there is some encouragement for Pakistan, with the one victory they have secured in New Zealand, in the opening T20 worldwide two weeks ago, coming at the same Eden Park venue where Sunday’s match will take place.

3 Number of first-ball ducks for McCullum as captain in ODIs, including today’s.

The three-wicket win in the rain-abridged match also helped New Zealand wrap up the series 2-0.

Guptill and Williamson defied steady but light rain to take their partnership to 159, the second highest ODI partnership for New Zealand, when Pakistan struck again.

In the decider against Pakistan, Azhar Ali won the toss and opted to bat, which initially proved productive.

Babar Azam made 83, Mohammad Hafeez 76 and their partnership of 134 for the third wicket.

Even with Hafeez back in the pavilion, Pakistan were 207-3 with 20 overs remaining. After a general failing from their top order, Henry Nicholls steadied the innings, scoring 82 runs from 111 balls.

McCullum, who will retire after the two Tests in February, was deemed to have recovered sufficiently from a back injury suffered in a one-day worldwide against Sri Lanka on December 28.

When the rain, which had been threatening for some time, arrived New Zealand had just lost their fifth wicket, and needed 81 off 87 balls against opponents with their tails up. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson comes next with four.

Pakistan have created a unique slice of history in the final match of their tour of New Zealand, becoming the first side in worldwide cricket to include four left-arm frontline fast-bowlers in the same side.

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Elliott fell for 10, caught by Azam at point off Shoaib, leaving New Zealand on 210 for five.