Pakistan to a five-wicket victory over New Zealand on Friday to win the tri-series Twenty20 final in Christchurch with three balls to spare.
It was a good sign for Pakistan going into the World Cup in Australia, with an opener against arch-rivals India on October 23.
After the hosts finished on 163-7 at Hagley Oval, spinner Michael Bracewell checked Pakistan's early momentum in the tourists' reply, before Nawaz stepped up with his decisive 38 off 22 balls.
Haider Ali also made a useful 31 off 15 balls. Having also steered Pakistan out of trouble in Thursday's dead-rubber win over Bangladesh, Nawaz produced another stellar innings before Iftikhar Ahmed sealed victory with a six in the final over. "I just backed myself when I came on yesterday and today, all the preparation in the nets meant I had a clear mind," said man-of-the-match Nawaz. "I have been batting in the middle order in club cricket, which helps a lot, and I was very happy to fulfil the team's expectations in me." The Black Caps -- World Cup finalists last year -- started well with captain Kane Williamson the top-scorer with a masterful display of stroke play to chalk up 59 off 38 balls.