Kiwis back in hunt for series win after second ODI

Abu Dhabi: Almost everything went right for New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori in Friday's 64-run win over Pakistan but the man most relieved was Brendon McCullum after scoring a match-winning knock of 131.

McCullum's 131, Martin Guptil's 62 and Scot Styris' three quick wickets were some of the high points as New Zealand stunned Pakistan to level the Cool & Cool Cup ODI series 1-1 in what was a remarkable turnaround for Vettori and his men at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Friday.

McCullum later said he was under pressure but his scintillating knock must have surely eased that. A poor run of form, stripped of his vice-captaincy and growing criticism over his role as an opener were all answered in style. "I did get a lot of decent starts but probably I tried to be too aggressive," said McCullum.

"Vice-captain or not, I am a senior player and wanted to prove my worth as an opener, to be influential at the top" McCullum said.

Complementing McCullum's batting exploits was Martin Guptil with a half century while the latter along with Ross Taylor put the brakes on Pakistan with some superb fielding.

"The partnership between McCullum and Guptil set up the victory for us, enabled us to achieve a 300-plus total and put pressure on Pakistan," said Vettori.

Vettori picked Styris' three-wicket haul as a turning point in the game.