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AUCKLAND. — A record partnership by Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson gave New Zealand victory with two balls to spare in a tense third one-day cricket match against Pakistan in Auckland yesterday.

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

Initially set a target of 291 to win, New Zealand made a disastrous start with Brendon McCullum out for a first-ball duck.

But Guptill and Williamson restored order with a 159-run stand, a New Zealand ODI record for the second wicket, to set the side up before a lengthy rain delay shortened the match by seven overs. When play resumed, New Zealand were set a revised target of 53 off 45 balls, which they reached with two balls to spare and with the help of a contentious umpire’s call. — AFP.