Cool Williamson guides New Zealand to win over Pakistan

Kane Williamson's assured unbeaten 70 guided New Zealand to a comfortable four-wicket win over Pakistan in the second One-Day International in Sharjah on Friday to level the series at 1-1.

- Scorecard

Chasing 253 for victory, New Zealand started well through a century opening partnership between Dean Brownlie (47) and Anton Devcich who made 58, his first limited-overs international half-century.

But Brownlie fell to Shahid Afridi and Devcich was run out before Ross Taylor, Tom Latham and Corey Anderson fell in quick succession to leave New Zealand struggling on 167 for five.

Williamson and Luke Ronchi (36) shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 58 to put the tourists back on course and the experienced Daniel Vettori (13 not out) helped steer his side to their target with four overs to spare.

Opener Mohammad Hafeez top-scored for Pakistan with 76, including a six and nine fours, as the hosts recovered from a poor start in which they slumped to 20 for three.

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq then chipped in with 47 runs and Haris Sohail made 33 to lift their side to a respectable total of 252.

New Zealand seamer Matt Henry returned figures of four for 45 in his third one-day international.

The third game in the five-match series is in Sharjah on Sunday.

Image: Kane Williamson.

Photographs: Phil Walter/Getty Images