The Black Caps have fallen to a two run defeat to Pakistan in the opening T20 international in Abu Dhabi.
Glenn Phillips bowled by Hasan Ali Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Choosing to bat first, the hosts made 148 for 6 with Mohammad Hafeez top scoring with 45.
Imad Wasim hit 10 runs off their last two balls.
All-rounder Corey Anderson took a superb diving catch for the Black Caps and threw a direct hit for a runout, while Adam Milne was the best of the bowlers taking two for 28.
In reply, Black Caps opener Colin Munro scored a half century but New Zealand then lost some quick wickets, including captain Kane Williamson, and no-one else really got going.
The New Zealand batsmen struggled against spin in the middle overs, managing just 16 runs off four overs.
They were 132 for 6 heading into the final over needing another 17 runs to win.
That became 11 runs off four balls and nine off two, but the Black Caps couldn't do it, coming up two runs short, finishing on 146 for 6.
Munro says the middle of their innings was probably where the game was decided.
"I lost my wicket and then Kane got out, sort of like a bang-bang and after the power play their spinners came on and squeezed and you've got to give them credit."
"They bowled really well, they know these conditions really well and it suited them a little bit tonight and just got outplayed, just I reckon, it was a pretty even game and didn't really lose out way anywhere I don't think, they just bowled really well and we just couldn't capitalise through the middle there."
Pakistan, the number one ranked side in the world, have now won 11 straight T20 matches
The second T20 of the three match series is on Saturday morning in Dubai.
