DUBAI: New Zealand achieved a 17-run win in the second Twenty20 international in Dubai to level the two-match series at 1-1 on Friday.

Set a challenging 145 runs to win, Pakistan were bowled out for 127 in 18.5 overs.

Opener Ahmed Shezad top-scored with 33 while skipper Shahid Afridi made 28. Jimmy Neesham and Kyle Mills took three wickets apiece.

New Zealand were lifted to 144-8 in their 20 overs by skipper Kane Williamson (32), Luke Ronchi (31) and Tom Latham (26).

For Pakistan, paceman Umar Gul finished with 2-24 and Afridi took 2-33. Pakistan won the first match -- also played in Dubai - by seven wickets on Thursday.

The two teams now play the first of five one-day internationals in Dubai on Monday.