New Zealand will be seeking a morale-boosting win in their last one-day encounter against Pakistan here Saturday after losing the first two matches. "Obviously we have lost the series but still a win in the final game would help boost morale ahead of the Tests," said New Zealand's captain Stephen Fleming after a practice session at the Gadaffi Stadium, Lahore.

The Kiwis suffered a humiliating defeat in the first match, largely due to a devastating spell from Shoaib Akhtar, who took a career-best 6 for 16.

But they fought back bravely in the second match to salvage some pride, scoring 277 for 5 and forcing the Pakistanis to work hard for their victory, despite the absence of several senior players through injury.

Chris Cairns and Dion Nash were both ruled out of the tour due to knee problems last month, and pace bowler Shane Bond, who won respect on New Zealand's tour of Australia last year, has been nursing a foot injury since December.

Spinner Daniel Vettori, who was not named in the one-day squad, has made a quick recovery from his back injury and is likely to slot into the final one-dayer to boost a badly depleted attack.

"Vettori is in contention for the final one-dayer but we will announce the team on Saturday morning," said Fleming.

The injury problems aren't restricted to the bowling. Opening batsman Nathan Astle is flying back home after tearing a ligament in his left knee, and New Zealand have also been haunted by stomach bugs. Fleming, Robbie Hart and Scott Styris have recovered, but veteran allrounder Chris Harris remains doubtful for the final match.

The New Zealanders play two Tests against Pakistan next month. Vettori, opener Mark Richardson and seamer Chris Martin all arrived in Lahore on Thursday.

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis, leading a full-strength side, is looking for a whitewash in the one-day series.

"We must win the final game, especially after winning the first two and keep a clean slate," he said.

Pakistan managed a whitewash against Zimbabwe in 1998-99 but they have since been on the receiving end against Australia and Sri Lanka.

"We have been losing home series so a 3-0 win would change our home fortunes," said Waqar.

He added that Pakistan's batsmen needed to perform better.

"Our top order is not clicking, but hopefully if we have the experienced Saeed Anwar we will definitely consider him for the Tests," he said.

Anwar, who has been out of the game for most of the past year, has recovered from a wrist injury and doctors have cleared him to play.

Waqar said Pakistan might give some younger players a chance in the last match.

Offspinning allrounder Shoaib Malik and pace bowler Mohammad Sami are likely to replace Saqlain Mushtaq and Wasim Akram.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd