New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming believes the ability to soak up pressure will be the key to defeating a young Pakistan side in the tri-series final on Friday.

New Zealand are looking for their first limited-overs tournament victory since the 2000 ICC Trophy and Fleming is confident his senior players will rise to the occasion and put pressure on an inexperienced Pakistani team.

"We have got the experience and that has got to count for something," said Fleming. "We have some big players with us who are in there to perform in the big games.

"Pressure is going to be the key, we have got to get on top early on so the young players of Pakistan feel the pressure of a final situation," he said.

"We are confident of putting a good showing but are very respectful of their ability and what they can do when they are hot."

Pakistan won a recent quadrangular tournament in Sharjah as they rebuild following their dismal World Cup campaign.

But Rashid Latif's side will miss the services of main strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has been banned for two matches for ball tampering.

Shoaib played a crucial part in Pakistan's 22-run win over New Zealand in the dress rehearsal for the final on Monday.

He wrecked the lower order with assistance from his new ball partner Mohammad Sami, as New Zealand lost their last six wickets for just 21 runs.

"Shoaib (Akhtar) is a world-class bowler, and we will miss him, but I am relying on 11 players not on one bowler to the win the match," said Latif.

Latif made a point of backing the pace bowler, whose exemplary off-field behaviour during the tour has pleased the team management.

"If we win this game we will dedicate the victory to him," he said.

Pakistan make two changes, including fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed for Shoaib and debutante Faisal Athar for the out-of-form Taufeeq Umar.

New Zealand hope to welcome back all rounder Jacob Oram, who missed the last two games with a back strain, taking the place of off spinner Paul Wiseman or seamer Kyle Mills.

Daniel Vettori, who has taken seven wickets in the last two games, has recovered from the sore knee that forced him to bat with a runner in the last game.

Teams:

New Zealand (from): Stephen Fleming (captain), Chris Nevin, Lou Vincent, Scott Styris, Chris Cairns, Chris Harris, Brendon McCullum, Paul Wiseman, Daniel Vettori, Daryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Matt Horne, Andre Adams.

Pakistan (from):

Rashid Latif (captain), Taufeeq Umar, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Yousuf Youhana, Yasir Hameed, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Danish Kaneria, Mohammad Sami, Shabbir Ahmed, Umar Gul, Faisal Ahtar.