Cricket: Vettori to miss ODI decider

Daniel Vettori (L) of New Zealand. Photo / Getty Images.

The Black Caps will be without Daniel Vettori for the one day series decider against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi tonight.

Vettori, who picked up three wickets in yesterday's tense win, departed the UAE today to fly back to New Zealand for his brother's wedding.

After drawing the test and Twenty20 series, and with the ODI series evenly poised at 2-2, tonight's match in Abu Dhabi looms as the ultimate decider in what has been an intriguing tour.

And despite losing Vettori, Black Caps coach Mike Hesson is confident his side can pinch the series.

"It's been an even series throughout and both sides have found out that if you don't front up you get knocked over pretty quickly," said Hesson.

"With the bat, the top order set the platform and we have been able to cash in at the back end. So to get a score of 300 on that surface was very pleasing," he said.

The Black Caps coach said he was proud of his skipper Kane Williamson's performance who scored an impressive 123 with the bat.

"Kane Williamson has had a great 12 months. Last night in such foreign conditions he showed how clever he is and in the end showed how destructive he can be," said Hesson.

Wrapping up the ODI series won't be easy and winning the key moments is what is needed, according to Hesson.

"The key for us with the bat is to resume that platform up front and with the ball, taking early wickets is important and also keeping our composure under pressure," he said.