Youhana's half-century paved the way for a Pakistani triumph

Pakistan beat New Zealand by seven wickets in the second Test in Wellington.

The tourists needed just 28 runs on the final day to clinch victory and a 1-0 series win.

Rain delayed the start of play and then forced the players off the field before a ball could be bowled.

But when the action finally began, Yousuf Youhana (88 not out) and captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (72 not out) wasted little time in sealing victory.

Pakistan needed only 16 minutes and 24 balls to reach their target.

New Zealand had seemed in a strong position after gaining a 170-run first innings lead, dismissing Pakistan for 196 in reply to their first innings of 366.

The hosts were still in charge when they led by 245 with seven second-innings wickets in hands at the start of the fourth day.

It was a very bad session which cost us the Test match Stephen Fleming

But Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar destroyed New Zealand's batting, taking six wickets for just 30 runs, as the Kiwis made only 103, leaving Pakistan only 274 to win.

That victory was a formality when Pakistan reached 246-3 by the end of the fourth day.

New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming said Akhtar's devasting spell had made all the difference.

"It was a very bad session which cost us the Test match," he said.

"We got tight, we saw how well he was bowling and didn't respond accordingly."

Akhtar was named man of the match. His total of 11-78 was the second-best by a Pakistan bowler against New Zealand.

He said: "It was one of my great spells, I'm really thankful to my team who backed me up all the way."

The teams now begin a series of five one-day matches on Saturday.

Pakistan: Imran Farhat, Taufeeq Umar, Inzamam-ul-Haq (capt), Yasir Hameed, Yousuf Youhana, Moin Khan, Mohammad Sami, Shoaib Akhtar, Shabbir Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq.

Umpires: Dave Orchard (South Africa), Asoka de Silva (Sri Lanka).