Live Cricket Score of Pakistan vs New Zealand, 5th ODI at Abu Dhabi

The Tests were drawn, the T20s, split. The ODI series is level at 2-2. The series needed a winner. At the beginning of the tour, both managements echoed sentiments that they would use this tour as a part of an extended build up to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. That still held true ahead of the final game of the tour. However, confidence can be key to a World Cup success and nothing inspires confidence than series victories. And that's what the two teams were after.

The only team news ahead of the series decider was that Daniel Vettori chose to fly back to New Zealand on the eve of the game to attend his brother's wedding. Pakistan, on the other hand, were boosted by the return to form of senior-pro Younis Khan, despite their narrow seven-run loss in the last game. They were hopeful of better contributions from their top order to create a settled line-up.

Kane Wiliamson won the toss for a second game in running in Abu Dhabi and as was the case the last time, opted to bat again. Vettori, who missed the game because of personal reasons was replaced by Nathan McCullum. Anton Devcich was given another run in the playing eleven.

Pakistan's opening conundrum was solved, temporarily, because of an injury to Mohammad Hafeez. Asad Shafiq would play in the middle order with Nasir Jamshed and Ahmed Shehzad retaining their places at the top of the order. Afridi also opted for an extra spinner in the side with Zulfiqar Babar replacing Sohail Tanveer.