Shadab Khan and Irfan Khan's last overs blitz powered Pakistan to set a healthy target of 179 runs to New Zealand in the third T-20I being played at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

After being asked to bat first, Pakistan scored 178 for four wickets in 20 overs.

Both Pakistani openers Saim Ayoub and Baber Azam took a flying start and provided a 50-run stand for the team.

Green caps’s first wicket fell at 55 in 6.2 overs when Saim Ayoub departed after scoring 32 runs.

Saim was caught by James Neesham off Ish Sodhi's bowling after scoring 32 runs from 22 balls at a strike rate of 145.45.

Babar looked in great touch but was caught by Jacob Duffy, bowled by Michael Bracewell, contributing 37 runs off 29 deliveries at a strike rate of 127.58.

Mohammad Rizwan had to retire hurt after scoring 23 runs from 22 balls, with Irfan Khan replacing him.

Usman Khan again couldn't score much and was dismissed after scoring 4 runs from 6 balls

Irfan was joined by all-rounder Shadab Khan and the duo smashed an explosive partnership with the latter dominating the proceedings.

In a 62-run partnership, Shadab stroked 41 runs off 20 balls with the help of six boundaries.

Meanwhile, Irfan finished on 20-ball 30, smashing three fours and a six.

Experienced spinner Ish Sodhi ended up as the best bowler for New Zealand, finishing with figures of 2/25.

Retired hurt Muhammad Rizwan will not join fielding. 

Remember, Pakistan made one change from their side that defeated the Kiwis in the second T20I on Saturday with Abbas Afridi coming in place of Mohammad Amir, who played his first international match after almost four years.

On the other hand, New Zealand put Zak Foulkes and Will O'Rourke in the playing XI over Jacob Duffy and Ben Sears respectively.

Pakistan lead the five-match series 1-0 after winning the second game by seven wickets while the first match was washed out after just two balls -- both also in Rawalpindi.

The final two matches are in Lahore on April 25 and 27.

Both teams are preparing for June's Twenty20 World Cup to be held in the United States and the West Indies.