Fleming and Styris helped the Kiwis post a formidable score

Fleming hit 80 and Styris 86 as the Kiwis recovered from 60-3 to post 274 and help secure a 51-run win in Mohali.

"We were under the pump in the first 20-25 overs, but we were able to get through and post a competitive score.

"If we had lost another couple of wickets then we could have been 50 to 60 runs short," Fleming explained.

"And we needed something here - we've been pretty poor up until now.

"A partnership in the middle was what was lacking - every team that's won in this tournament has had that.

"We had to take a bit of time but we got there in the end. It wasn't the most fluent innings I will ever play but I got through and we were able to get some momentum towards the end."

New Zealand played very well in the last 10 overs and scored too many runs Younis Khan

Fleming was also pleased with the performance of injury-hit paceman Shane Bond, who took 3-45 as Pakistan were bowled out for 223.

"He was almost pushing too hard with the new ball and trying very hard to get wickets," the skipper added.

"But when he dropped down a few yards he showed the subtleties he's got and that he's a very fine bowler."

Pakistan now need to win their final game against South Africa on Friday and captain Younis Khan knows they must improve.

"New Zealand played very well in the last 10 overs and scored too many runs," he said.

"When it's a green wicket everyone bowls too short but in a one-day game you have to vary your pace and bowl some yorkers.

"We are here to play good cricket and we'll have to try again in the next match - hopefully we can do it."