Waqar wants Pakistan to win NZ series

ABU DHABI, Dec 18 (AFP): Pakistan coach Waqar Younis feels a win in the fifth and final one-dayer against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi Friday will give his team a boost for next year's World Cup.

New Zealand levelled the five-match series 2-2 with a narrow seven-run win in Abu Dhabi Wednesday, setting up an intriguing finale to the tour after the preceding three-match Test and two-Twenty20 series were shared 1-1.

Waqar said the series would give Pakistan an idea on where they stand before February-March World Cup to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

"We need to win the final one-day," said Waqar Thursday.

"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 veteran batsman Younis Khan who scored his first one-day century in six years and stand-in skipper Shahid Afridi who smashed 25-ball 49.

"Younis's form was very important, he has shown us his true potential," said Waqar of the 37-year-old batsman whose 103 went in vain as Pakistan fell seven short when chasing a challenging 300-run target.

New Zealand were guided to 299-5 by skipper Kane Williamson's 123.

"Afridi also batted well and showed fighting abilities."