Pakistan have earned a narrow three-wicket win over New Zealand in the first one-day international between the sides in the United Arab Emirates.

The tourists posted 246-7 from their 50 overs before Pakistan reached 250-7 with just three balls remaining.

Ross Taylor was New Zealand's top scorer thanks to an unbeaten knock of 105, though Anton Devcich (26), Luke Ronchi (23) and Daniel Vettori were the only others to get beyond the 20-run mark.

Mohammad Irfan ended with three wickets for the hosts, who also had Wahab Riaz and Shahid Afridi do some damage with the ball.

Pakistan's time at the crease started badly as Mohammad Hafeez was dismissed by Kyle Mills for six, but 28 from Ahmed Shehzad helped them to get going at the top of the order.

However, the bulk of the home team's runs came from Haris Sohail (85 not out) and Shahid Afridi (61), while Sarfraz Ahmed's 26 also contributed to Pakistan's narrow triumph.