Vettori relieved after series win over Pakistan

Abu Dhabi, Nov 10 (ANI): New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori is a relieved man after securing seven-run win over Pakistan in the third and final one-day international in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan tail enders Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal nearly stole a miraculous victory in Abu Dhabi, with their final-wicket stand of 103, sending Vettori and his men into a state of frenzy.

Relief was palpable when No 11 Ajmal holed out to Jacob Oram for 33 of the first ball of the final over, handing New Zealand a 2-1 win, their first away series win against Pakistan.

"For us to come over here and win as confidently as we did in the last two games is something I know a lot of the guys will cherish. The wickets and the atmosphere are very similar to Pakistan - there's a lot of support for Pakistan here and it's like a Pakistan home game," Vettori said.

"The key thing is it's a victory and no matter how you achieve it, it's still a series win. And tour wins for New Zealand sides away from home - we don't have that many," he added.

Having recovered from the onslaught of Pakistan 17-year-old Mohammad Aamer, whose unbeaten 73 was easily the highest by any No 10 in ODI history, Vettori praised his team's cool approach under pressure, Stuff.co.nz reports.

"I always backed us to get a wicket. I think when you only need one wicket you probably try a bit hard to get it. We backed Jacob to do it - he's bowled the last over a few times for us and he's done a really good job," he said.

The teams now travel to Dubai for two Twenty20 matches on Friday and Saturday (NZT). (ANI)