Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed four wickets as Pakistan restricted New Zealand to a modest 211 in the final ODI in Abu Dhabi.

Opener Brendon McCullum gave the Black Caps a strong start with a knock of 76 up the order, while Ross Taylor contributed a useful 44, but New Zealand lost their way and were bowled out in 46.3 overs after opting to bat first.

Ajmal finished with four for 33. Pakistan's new-ball bowlers had begun well and had conceded only 19 from their first five overs, but McCullum stepped up the pace and quickly lifted the scoring rate.

McCullum signalled his intent by pulling Mohammad Aamer for a four and a six off consecutive overs and smashing Umar Gul for two sixes and a four.

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The wicketkeeper batsman dominated an opening stand worth 72 with Aaron Redmond (21) but Pakistan delayed enforcing the bowling powerplay and were rewarded with the wicket of Redmond.

The opener fell while advancing to cart Gul over the top, presenting the fast bowler with his 100th ODI wicket.

Martin Guptill was quickly snaffled by off-spinner Ajmal, but McCullum and Taylor, who was dismissed for ducks in the two previous matches here, steadied the ship with a 50-run stand for the third wicket.

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That partnership was severed when McCullum was caught and bowled by Shoaib Malik, the leading edge going straight to the off-spinner as the batsman attempted to work it to the leg side.

New Zealand lost their way thereafter, the run of Scott Styris triggering a collapse.

Ajmal ran through the middle order, picking up the wickets of Daniel

Vettori, Jacob Oram and Kyle Mills.

From 164 for three, New Zealand crumbled to hand Pakistan the advantage.