Sport Shorts

New Zealand scored a thrilling seven-run triumph over Pakistan to win the one-day series 2-1 yesterday despite a valiant last-wicket partnership of 103 between Mohammad Aamer and Saeed Ajmal. Pakistan, chasing 212 for victory, seemed down and out at 101 for nine, but 17-year-old Aamer struck 73 not out and Ajmal hit 33 as the pair came within three runs of equaling the world record stand for the 10th wicket in a one-day international. West Indians Viv Richards and Michael Holding put on 106 against England in Manchester in 1984. The teams will next meet in two Twenty20 internationals in Dubai on Thursday and Friday. (Reuters)

The Kansas City Chiefs released controversial running back Larry Johnson yesterday, the day he'd been scheduled to return from suspension for "conduct detrimental to the club." On the team's official Web site, Kansas City said head coach Todd Haley would hold a news conference later yesterday to discuss developments. Last month, Johnson, 29, was ordered to stay away from training and team activities while the Chiefs and the NFL investigated alleged comments made by the player. According to the Kansas City Star, Johnson posted demeaning comments directed at Chiefs coach Haley on his Twitter page hours after the team's 37-7 loss to the San Diego Chargers on October 25. The newspaper reported Johnson also used derogatory language in a reply to a follower on Twitter and to a reporter. (Reuters)