Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have helped New Zealand reach 275-4 in their final one-day international against Pakistan.
After levelling the series in the fourth contest, New Zealand won the toss in Abu Dhabi and elected to bat first, but the early loss of Martin Guptill immediately put them on the back foot.
A 66-run partnership for the second wicket between Dean Brownlie and Williamson moved the tourists to 86-2 after 19 overs before Brownlie fell for 34 off the bowling of Zulfiqar Babar.
That dismissal brought Taylor to the crease, and along with Williamson, the duo put on a stand of 116 to take New Zealand past the 200 mark with eight overs left.
However, after a knock that included eight fours, Williamson fell three short of his ton, leaving Taylor at the crease to try to help New Zealand to an imposing total.
Taylor ended the innings unbeaten on 88 from 95 balls while Tom Latham added a lively cameo of 22 from 14 balls to leave Pakistan requiring 276 for the win.
