Brendon McCullum's dashing century helped New Zealand square the one-day series with a 64-run victory over Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
McCullum hammered 131 to lead the Black Caps to a total of 303-8 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium after they had opted to bat first.
Pakistan were bowled out for 239 in reply, Scott Styris claiming figures of 3-23.
The result sets up a winner-takes-all decider in the final match of the series at the same venue on Monday.
Rampage
McCullum's second one-day international hundred powered New Zealand to a formidable score.
After being stripped of the vice-captaincy last month and told to concentrate his mind on batting and keeping wicket, McCullum provided the perfect riposte with 131 off 129 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes.
His opening partner Aaron Redmond fell early for six to Mohammed Aamer but Martin Guptill combined with McCullum for a second-wicket partnership of 126.
Guptill hit two sixes and five fours on his way to a 70-ball 62 before departing to Abdul Razzaq (2-60).
Ross Taylor and Styris both failed to provide much support for the rampaging McCullum, Shahid Afridi accounting for Taylor (0) and Younus Khan's direct hit from mid-off running out Styris (9).The ever-dependable Daniel Vettori weighed in with a timely 30 and Jacob Oram worked the ball around intelligently for a run-a-ball 33 not out.
McCullum's innings was finally brought to an end by Umar Gul (2-59) in the 47th over but Shane Bond's brisk 10 not out eased New Zealand past 300.Teenage paceman Aamer took the most punishment, recording figures of 1-64 from his 10 overs, while leg-spinner Afridi (2-49) was the most economical.
Styris burst
Pakistan got off to a solid start in reply with opening pair Salman Butt and Khalid Latif putting on 77 in 16.2 overs.
Latif was trapped lbw for 45 by New Zealand skipper Vettori but Pakistan remained in contention as Younus helped Butt add 47 for the second wicket.
However, the introduction of Styris for his first bowl in a one-day international for 13 months turned the match decisively in New Zealand's favour.
The medium pacer struck three times in 10 balls to account for Younus (19), Afridi (0) and Kamran Akmal (4) and reduce Pakistan to 133-4.
That became 134-5 when Butt was run out for 59 after a mix-up with Mohammad Yousuf.
Vettori (2-37) won another lbw verdict to send Yousuf (18) on his way and, despite some resistance further down the order from Shoaib Malik (26) and Razzaq (35), Pakistan were all out for 239 in 47.2 overs.
