Rhys Mariu scored a maiden half-century as New Zealand posted a total of 264-8 from 42 overs on Saturday in the rain-affected third one-day international against Pakistan at Mount Maunganui.
Captain Michael Bracewell also surpassed 50 as the home side set a competitive target in their bid to complete a 3-0 series sweep.
The match was shortened to 42 overs per side after a delayed start due to a wet outfield at Bay Oval, which held up play for nearly two hours.
Mariu, in just his second international appearance, impressed with a composed knock of 58 off 61 balls, including six boundaries and two sixes. Several New Zealand middle-order batsmen made starts but failed to build on their foundations, until Bracewell came to the crease. The captain played a quickfire 59, striking six sixes in his 40-ball knock before being dismissed off the last ball of the innings by Akif Javed.
Javed was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 4-62 from his eight overs. Naseem Shah also impressed with the ball, claiming 2-54 while bowling with good pace and movement.
Pakistan now faces a challenging chase in the final ODI of what has been an unsuccessful tour so far. Having lost the first ODI in Napier by 73 runs and the second in Hamilton by 84 runs, they will be aiming to salvage some pride after also being defeated 4-1 in the T20 series.
