Waqar Younis wants Pakistan to end New Zealand series with win

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis will be looking for a pre-World Cup boost when his side take on New Zealand in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

The five-match one-day international series is tied at 2-2 after the Black Caps’ seven-run victory in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, and Waqar is keen to wrap up a series win in the decider ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand which starts on February 14.

"We need to win the final one-day," said Waqar. "This series is for us to utilise and get the clear picture who are the final 15 (players for the World Cup) and besides that win this series."

Waqar praised batsman Younis Khan, who scored 103 - his first one-day century in six years - against New Zealand, and stand-in skipper Shahid Afridi who smashed a quickfire 49.

"Younis' form was very important, he has shown us his true potential," said Waqar. "Afridi also batted well and showed fighting abilities."

Pakistan fell seven short when chasing a challenging 300-run target after New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson made 123 in their 299-5.

Fielding

"Honestly, we lost the match because of the fielding, we gave away some 20-25 runs in the field and that is a worrying sign for me," said Waqar.

"I am happy at the fight, the expectations we had with our batting were fulfilled and we maintained a nine plus average, unfortunately we couldn't finish that but the fight pleased me."

New Zealand also won the second match in Sharjah to level the series at 1-1, with Pakistan winning the first and third matches.

Williamson said: "It’s nice to bounce back. It was just about executing the plans we had, and just trying to build partnerships and it was great to come back with the ball in the second part of the Pakistan innings.

"Pakistan kept coming, they showed consistently how good they are. To have 300 on the board on a wicket that was tiring, they pushed us and it was nice to pick up some timely wickets at the end and close it out.

"It was a much improved performance and there is much we want to improve on and I am sure we do it in the last match."