The White Ferns have denied Pakistan a T20 series sweep with a six-run win via the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method in testing conditions in Queenstown this afternoon.
After losing the first two matches of the best-of-three series in Dunedin, the White Ferns headed to Sir John Davies Oval at the base of The Remarkables looking to finish the series on a high and generate some momentum for next week's ODI series against Pakistan.
The team was dealt an early injury blow though with captain Sophie Devine ruled out hours before the match after receiving a Cortisone injection in her knee - a procedure the White Ferns hope will mean she is available for the entirety of the three-match ODI series.
With Devine out, star all-rounder Melie Kerr was handed the White Ferns captaincy for the first time and she led from the front.
After winning the toss and electing to field in the windy, overcast conditions, Kerr produced team-best bowling figures with three wickets for just 11 runs in her four overs of work.
With fellow spinner Eden Carson chipping in another two wickets, Pakistan still fought their way to 137/5 as the White Ferns' fielding went on a rollercoaster journey.
Along with some impressive catches to remove Pakistan's top order, four drops allowed the visitors to remain in the aggressive mindset they brought to the dead rubber with opener Sidra Ameen top-scoring for her side with 43 from 38.
Sidra and Muneeba Ali got Pakistan off to a strong start with their opening partnership pummeling the Kiwi quicks before Kerr finally made the breakthrough in the 10th over with an edge through to the keeper to dismiss Muneeba.
Jonas then snared Sadaf Shamas the following over for a duck as the spinners went about their work limiting the Pakistan innings and in the end, receiving a target of 138 to win.
But the White Ferns weren't just against Pakistan as they headed in to bat - dark clouds were moving in overhead and the odd raindrop was already falling.
That was all the inspiration Suzie Bates needed to come to the party, getting off to a quick start before she was joined by longtime partner Kerr soon after after fellow opener Bernadine Bezuidenhout was dismissed for four runs in the fifth over.
Bates produced another top batting performance to lead the chase for New Zealand in the final T20 against Pakistan. (Source: 1News)
Bates and Kerr pushed the run rate with poise nut also urgency, en route to forging the best partnership the White Ferns have had this series before the stand-in captain was eventually removed for 35.
Bates collected her 27th T20 fifty soon after and despite looking to plow on with Maddy Green now out in the middle with her, the umpires eventually stepped to suspend play as the rain arrived.
But Bates and Kerr had done enough - the Kiwis ahead on the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method by six runs with their 101/2 after 15 overs.
It means Pakistan wins the series 2-1 but gives the White Ferns something to springboard from as they shift their focus to the three-match ODI series starting on Tuesday in Queenstown before the final two matches head to Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
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