Introduction: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team
When it comes to international cricket, few matchups are as consistent and competitive as New Zealand vs Pakistan. Over the years, these two teams have gone head-to-head in all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20s — giving fans countless memorable moments. Whether it’s a thrilling last-over finish or a pressure-packed World Cup clash, matches between New Zealand and Pakistan always seem to deliver.
In this article, we’ll take a walk through the timeline of their cricket rivalry, highlight some unforgettable matches, and look at the players who’ve made a mark in this contest.
Table of Contents
How It All Began
The very first official Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand happened way back in 1955. That was the beginning of a cricketing relationship that’s lasted for nearly seven decades. Since then, they’ve faced each other in all formats, both at home and on neutral grounds.
These two teams have always had a healthy cricketing respect for each other. While they’re not traditional arch-rivals like Pakistan vs India, their games have often been tight and full of drama.
Test Cricket Timeline: A Battle of Patience
Early Days (1955–1980)
- Pakistan toured New Zealand in 1955, winning the three-match Test series 2-0.
- In those days, Pakistan’s bowling attack was already showing signs of brilliance.
- New Zealand, still developing its cricketing structure, played with grit but didn’t have the same depth.
1980s to Late 1990s
- The rivalry grew stronger as players like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis began dominating for Pakistan.
- New Zealand relied on legends like Richard Hadlee and later Stephen Fleming.
- Test series between the two were always close, with no one team completely dominating.
2000s Onward
- From 2000 onwards, both teams kept evolving.
- Pakistan remained unpredictable but dangerous, especially in home conditions.
- New Zealand became known for playing smart, disciplined cricket — especially under captains like Fleming and Kane Williamson.
Head-to-Head Test Record (As of 2025)
- Total matches played: 62
- Pakistan wins: 26
- New Zealand wins: 14
- Draws: 22
One Day Internationals (ODIs): More Action, More Drama
ODIs between Pakistan and New Zealand have always been full of action. Whether in World Cups or in bilateral series, both teams have provided fans with high-scoring chases, tight finishes, and moments of brilliance.
World Cup Highlights
- 1992 World Cup: Pakistan beat New Zealand in the semi-final despite the Kiwis being unbeaten up to that point. It was a turning point, and Pakistan went on to win the tournament.
- 1999 World Cup: Once again, Pakistan beat New Zealand in the semi-finals. The Kiwis just couldn’t catch a break in big games against Pakistan.
- 2023 World Cup: A rain-affected game saw Pakistan chase a big target using the DLS method. It was one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.
ODI Series Over the Years
- The two teams have played dozens of bilateral ODI series.
- Home advantage has often played a big role — New Zealand does well in their swinging conditions, while Pakistan dominates on slower pitches.
ODI Head-to-Head (As of 2025)
- Total ODIs played: 115+
- Pakistan wins: Around 60
- New Zealand wins: Around 50
- No Result/Ties: A handful
T20 Internationals: Fast, Fierce, and Full of Surprises
T20 matches between these two sides are a treat. With so many match-winners on both sides, these games often go down to the wire.
T20 World Cup Encounters
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Pakistan pulled off a confident win over New Zealand in the group stage.
- 2022 T20 World Cup Semi-final: Played in Sydney, Pakistan chased down New Zealand’s target with a solid opening partnership from Babar Azam and Rizwan, taking them to the final.
Regular T20 Series
- In recent years, the teams have been playing more T20 series.
- Pakistan hosted New Zealand for a five-match series in 2023 and 2024.
- New Zealand returned the favor with a home series shortly after.
T20 Head-to-Head (As of 2025)
- Total T20s played: Around 40
- Pakistan wins: 22
- New Zealand wins: 17
- Others (Ties/No Result): Very few
Matches to Remember
1992 World Cup Semi-final
- Arguably one of the most iconic Pakistan wins.
- Chasing 263, Inzamam-ul-Haq exploded with a match-winning knock that shocked New Zealand and thrilled fans.
- Pakistan then beat England in the final to lift their first World Cup.
2022 T20 World Cup Semi-final
- Played in Sydney, it was a clinical chase by Pakistan.
- The game showed how dangerous Pakistan can be in big matches, especially when their openers fire.
2023 ODI World Cup Clash
- A high-scoring thriller with weather interruptions.
- Pakistan chased down a revised target in record time, keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
Key Players Through the Years
Pakistani Icons
- Imran Khan: The leader who inspired generations.
- Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis: One of the deadliest bowling duos ever.
- Shahid Afridi: Boom Boom’s power-hitting was unmatched.
- Babar Azam: A modern batting giant.
- Shaheen Afridi: Young, fiery, and consistent with the new ball.
New Zealand Stars
- Richard Hadlee: Legendary fast bowler and all-rounder.
- Stephen Fleming: Calm and calculated leadership.
- Brendon McCullum: Changed the way New Zealand played T20 cricket.
- Kane Williamson: Pure class and consistency.
- Trent Boult: Dangerous in any conditions.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
Unlike some rivalries that are fueled by off-field tension, Pakistan vs New Zealand is built purely on cricket. It’s based on mutual respect and a shared passion for the game.
Even when things went wrong — like when New Zealand pulled out of a Pakistan tour in 2021 due to security issues — both cricket boards handled it maturely. Soon enough, tours resumed and the bond grew stronger.
Recent Tours and Series (2023–2025)
2023 Series in Pakistan
- Included both ODI and T20 matches.
- Young talent shined — from Pakistan’s Mohammad Haris to New Zealand’s Finn Allen.
2024 Series in New Zealand
- A full tour including Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
- Pakistan adapted well to the conditions, and the series was competitive throughout.
2025 Outlook
- More series are in the pipeline as both teams prep for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
- The focus is on building squads, testing bench strength, and gaining confidence.
Final Thoughts
The cricketing journey between New Zealand and Pakistan is filled with everything a fan could ask for — respect, rivalry, drama, and skill. Over the years, they’ve played with their own unique styles but shared the same passion for the game.
As both teams head into the future, their rivalry promises even more thrilling matches. Whether it’s a World Cup knockout or a late-night T20 in Auckland or Lahore, when New Zealand takes on Pakistan, cricket wins.
