Pakistan have squared their Twenty20 series against the Blackcaps with a nine-run win in the fifth and final match at Lahore.
After NZ captain Michael Bracewell had won the toss and sent Pakistan in to bat, the hosts made their way to a total of 178/5. The Blackcaps began well, but stumbled late, eventually dismissed with four balls remaining in the final over for 169.
The result means the inexperienced touring squad - missing a slew of first-choice players, primarily due to IPL commitments - return home with a drawn series to their name, a result few expected under the circumstances.
The hosts were guided by a superb 69 off 44 balls by dangerman Babar Azam, who shared in a 73-run second-wicket stand with Usman Khan (31 off 24).
Opener Tim Seifert (52 off 33 balls) ensured the Blackcaps made swift start to their response, until a flurry of wickets through the middle order stifled their momentum.
Seemingly well poised for victory at 97/4 in the 12th over, Bracewell's departure triggered a collapse of four wickets for only 22 runs.
Josh Clarkson (38no) anchored an end for New Zealand, who needed 12 runs off the final over for victory, but a pair of runouts ultimately dashed their hopes, as the series ended in a stalemate.
Pakistan fast-bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi tormented the Blackcaps with the ball, finishing with 4/30 to be named both player of the match and the series.
Bracewell says a drawn series is a fair result, praising his young team's efforts, after their chances had been widely dismissed, given the number of quality players absent.
"Pretty happy with coming over here and learning how to play in these conditions," he said. "Credit to Pakistan, they played really well.
"We lost a couple of wickets in the middle and that put us on the backfoot. Shaheen and Usama bowled particularly well.
"We were keeping the run rate [in check], but those wickets were the turningpoint."
The Blackcaps now begin their preparations for the Twenty20 World Cup, with their opening match against Afghanistan at Guyana scheduled for June 8.
Pakistan 178/5 (Azam 69 off 44; O'Rourke 1/25) New Zealand 169 (Seifert 52 off 33; Shaheen Shah Afridi 4/30)
Pakistan win by nine runs, series drawn 2-2
