ABU DHABI: New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris Sunday said he wanted to play limited overs cricket as long as possible as his desire for improvement is still alive.

"I want to play as long as I can and trying to improve so that I can be in the team and having achieved what I wanted to achieve it's important to strive," Styris said ahead of Monday's series deciding third match against Pakistan.

Styris dismissed Younus Khan (19), Shahid Afridi (nought) and Kamran Akmal (four) in the space of just ten balls to help New Zealand beat Pakistan by 64 runs in the second match on Friday.

Pakistan won the first match by 138 runs on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old retired from the five-day Tests in February last year in a bid to prolong his ODI and Twenty20 career but said he still seeks improvement.

"I wasn't expecting (to bowl), it surprised me but I have always loved bowling and have been an allrounder throughout my career, so I loved bowling and when it helped my team win, its pleasing," said Styris.

Styris was not part of New Zealand's ICC Champions Trophy squad last month but was later called in as cover after injuries depleted the team in South Africa.

He earned a place after fast-rising all-rounder Grant Elliott, opener Jesse Ryder and fast bowler Daryl Tuffey failed to make the UAE trip due to injuries.

Styris said he has been enjoying the Indian Premier League (IPL), which provided him a chance to share thoughts with players from other countries.

"IPL is fantastic, great to enjoy and gives an opportunity to talk cricket with a lot of other players, like Deccan Charges had Shahid Afridi from Pakistan and Australia's Adam Gilchrist and Andrew Symonds."

Styris hoped Test cricket will survive Twenty20 cricket's popularity.

"Twenty20 is getting very popular and IPL can also be part of the landscape of cricket, but I sincerely hope Test cricket and one-day cricket will survive," said Styris.