New Zealand bounced back from their shock loss to the United Arab Emirates to win the third and final T20 in Dubai on Sunday by 32 runs to clinch the series.
The UAE had romped to a seven-wicket win on Saturday to register their first victory over New Zealand in any format, but the hosts slumped to 53-5 in pursuit of 167 in the finale.
Aayan Afzal Khan, the 17-year-old who starred with the ball in the second match, put up spirited resistance with 42 off 36 balls but the run rate ultimately proved too steep for the UAE.
Left-arm medium pace bowler Ben Lister claimed 3-35, including the wickets of captain Muhamed Waseem and Aayan, and effected a run out as the UAE ended well short on 134-7.
Will Young made 56 and Mark Chapman (51) hit his second successive half-century to guide New Zealand to a total of 166-5 after they were put in to bat.
Seamer Junaid Siddique removed both Young and Chapman after earlier dismissing opener Tim Seifert, to finish with 3-26 as the pick of the UAE bowlers.
Tim Southee, the New Zealand captain, said: “It was by far our best performance of the series. Good way to finish the series.” When asked about the performances of the debutants, he said: “They have been great domestic performers. Good opportunity for them and a great start for their careers.” Southee said the players did well to adjust to the heat. “Think the heat has been a big factor. The guys adjusted pretty well. When you travel, you have to adapt to different conditions quickly.”

BRIEF SCORES
New Zealand 166 for 5 (Young 56, Chapman 51, Siddique 3-26) beat UAE 134 for 7 (Aayan 42, Hameed 24*, Lister 3-35) by 32 runsSeries result: New Zealand won the three-match series 2-1