Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-haq finished the day on 70 not out as Pakistan reached 226 for five at the close of the play, 48 runs short of their victory target of 274.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Adnan Akmal was on two not out as the visitors claimed their first series win since they beat the West Indies 2-0 at home five years ago, The News reports.

New Zealand were given the slightest of hope of a final session victory when Younis Khan was caught out by Reece Young off Tim Southee in the final over before tea for 73.

Misbah, who faced 172 balls and hit his fifth boundary to bring up his 50 after spending 255 minutes at the crease, and Asad Shafiq, however, continued to combine stoic defence with the possibility of launching a frantic final assault against the Kiwis.

In the final hour, Vettori trapped Shafiq to leave Pakistan 215-5, but although the New Zealand bowlers subsequently attempted to rattle the players on crease with several vociferous appeals, Akmal and Misbah negotiated their way through until the close.

Misbah-ul-Haq was adjudged the man of the match.

Following this Test series, Pakistan will play a six-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting January 22 in Wellington.