Iftikhar Ahmed's effort went in vain as New Zealand bowlers were good enough to bowl out Pakistan for 252 runs and win the fifth and last ODI by 47 runs in Karachi and avoid whitewash in the series.
The right-handed batter made solid effort to help Pakistan chase down 300 runs but wickets falling after regular intervals made it difficult for the home side. He scored 94 not out including eight boundaries and two maximums.
Agha Salman also remained prominent with the bat as he scored 57 runs. He also partnered strongly with Iftikhar to give a hope of survival for Pakistan. They both notched up a 97-run partnership.
For New Zealand, Henry Shipley and Rachin Ravindra bagged three wickets each. After this defeat, Pakistan also lost their first position in the ICC ODI rankings.
Earlier, Pakistani bowlers controlled the flow of runs in the last phase of the first innings as they managed to bowl out New Zealand for 299.
At one stage, New Zealand were looking to post 300-plus runs on the scoreboard but solid comeback by Pakistani bowlers restricted the visitors.
Shaheen Shah Afridi bowled brilliantly in death overs, which was followed by Haris Rauf. The potent bowling duo helped Pakistan gain momentum in the end.
After deciding to bat first, New Zealand lost their opener Tom Blundell earlier but Will Young set the tone for the visitors. Young led his team from the front, scoring 87 runs off 91 balls including eight boundaries and two maximums.
Young and Henry Nicholls (23) added a 51-run partnership. Later on, Young joined hands with skipper Tom Latham to score 74 runs together. Latham contributed worthy 59 runs.
Mark Chapman, at one stage gained momentum, but Shadab Khan took his prized scalp. He scored 43 runs off 33 balls.
Shaheen took three wickets, Usama Mir, Shadab Khan bagged two wickets each whereas Haris and Mohammad Wasim Jr shared a wicket apiece.
TOSS
New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first against Pakistan in the fifth ODI of the five-match series in Karachi on Sunday.
Pakistan made only one change as Shadab Khan returned to the starting lineup in the place of Mohammad Haris.
Pakistan had already won the series after taking a 4-0 lead with comprehensive victories in previous matches.
Additionally, Pakistan captain Babar Azam completed 100 ODI matches by participating in Sunday's fixture (today) at the National Bank Cricket Arena. The prolific right-hander made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Lahore almost eight years ago.
Lineups:
New Zealand XI: Will Young, Tom Blundell (wk), Henry Nicholls, Tom Latham (c), Mark Chapman, Cole McConchie, Rachin Ravindra, Adam Milne, Henry Shipley, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry.
Pakistan XI: Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf.