The cricket rivalry between the New Zealand national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team is one of the most exciting in international cricket. For nearly 70 years, these two teams have competed in thrilling matches across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Their battles, which began in 1955, have included close finishes, unexpected results, and standout performances that have shaped the history of both teams. This article explores the New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team timeline, highlighting key moments, series results, and the competitive spirit of this rivalry. Additionally, it touches on the Pakistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team standings to provide context for Pakistan’s performance in major tournaments.
Early Encounters in the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Timeline (1955–1975)
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team timeline began in 1955 when New Zealand toured Pakistan for a three-match Test series. The first Test, played in Karachi from October 13–17, saw Pakistan win by an innings and one run. The second Test in Lahore, from October 26–31, ended with Pakistan securing a four-wicket victory. The third Test in Dacca (now Dhaka) was drawn, giving Pakistan a 2-0 series win and their first-ever Test series victory. This series marked the start of a competitive rivalry.
In 1965, Pakistan toured New Zealand for another three-match Test series. Played in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, all three matches ended in draws due to challenging pitch and weather conditions for Pakistan. Despite no decisive result, the series showcased the resilience of both teams.
By 1972–73, Pakistan returned to New Zealand and won a Test series 1-0, marking their first Test series victory outside Pakistan. This win highlighted Pakistan’s growing strength in international cricket.
Key Matches in the Early Era
| Year | Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Test | Karachi, Lahore, Dacca | Pakistan won series 2-0 |
| 1965 | Test | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch | Series drawn 0-0 |
| 1972–73 | Test | New Zealand | Pakistan won series 1-0 |
The Rise of Limited-Overs Cricket (1975–2000)
The Pakistan national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline entered a new phase with the introduction of limited-overs cricket. The two teams faced off in their first ICC World Cup match on June 11, 1975. New Zealand won by four wickets, setting the tone for competitive ODI encounters.
In the 1985–86 season, Pakistan toured New Zealand for a four-match ODI series. Pakistan dominated, winning 3-0, with one match abandoned due to rain. The series began in Dunedin on March 16, 1985, and concluded in Auckland on March 23, where Pakistan won by seven wickets. This series showcased Pakistan’s strength in the ODI format.
The 1992 World Cup semi-final was a defining moment in the New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team timeline. Played in Auckland, Pakistan chased down New Zealand’s 262 runs, winning by four wickets. This victory propelled Pakistan to their first World Cup final, which they won, cementing their reputation for resilience under pressure.
In 1994, Pakistan toured New Zealand for a five-match ODI series. Pakistan won the first three matches by five wickets, 36 runs, and 11 runs, respectively. The fourth match ended in a tie, and New Zealand won the fifth match by seven wickets. The series, which Pakistan won 3-1, was a testament to their dominance in ODIs during this period.
The 1999 World Cup saw another key encounter. On May 28 in Derby, Pakistan set a target of 271 runs and restricted New Zealand to 242/10 in 47.1 overs, winning by 29 runs. This match further solidified Pakistan’s edge in ODI World Cup clashes.
Notable Matches (1975–2000)
| Year | Format | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | ODI | World Cup | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 1985–86 | ODI | Series in New Zealand | Pakistan won series 3-0 |
| 1992 | ODI | World Cup Semi-Final | Pakistan won by 4 wickets |
| 1994 | ODI | Series in New Zealand | Pakistan won series 3-1 |
| 1999 | ODI | World Cup | Pakistan won by 29 runs |
The Modern Era of the Rivalry (2000–2010)
The Pakistan national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline took on new intensity in the 2000s with the rise of T20 cricket and more frequent ICC tournaments. In 2000, the two teams met in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Nairobi, Kenya. New Zealand chased Pakistan’s 252/9, winning by four wickets to claim their first ICC tournament title. This victory was a landmark for New Zealand cricket.
In 2007, during the ICC World Twenty20 Super Eights in Johannesburg, Pakistan defeated New Zealand by six wickets. New Zealand scored 143/8, but Pakistan chased the target in 18.5 overs, advancing to the semi-finals. This win highlighted Pakistan’s growing prowess in T20 cricket.
In 2010, Pakistan toured New Zealand for a five-match ODI series, which Pakistan won 3-2. Standout performances from players like Shahid Afridi and Umar Gul helped Pakistan secure close victories. The same tour included a three-match T20I series, which New Zealand won 2-1. The first T20I, played on December 26, 2010, in Auckland, saw Pakistan win by five wickets. New Zealand bounced back, winning the second and third matches by 17 runs and five wickets, respectively.
Key Matches (2000–2010)
| Year | Format | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | ODI | ICC Champions Trophy Final | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 2007 | T20I | ICC World T20 Super Eights | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2010 | ODI | Series in New Zealand | Pakistan won series 3-2 |
| 2010 | T20I | Series in New Zealand | New Zealand won series 2-1 |
Recent Developments in the Rivalry (2011–2025)
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team timeline has seen both teams evolve with new talent and strategies. In the 2016 ICC World T20 group stage match in Mohali, New Zealand batted first, scoring 180/5, and restricted Pakistan to 158/5, winning by 22 runs. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and fielding were key to their success.
In the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup group stage, Pakistan turned the tables, defeating New Zealand by five wickets. New Zealand scored 134 runs, but Pakistan’s bowlers took crucial wickets, and their batsmen chased the target efficiently, finishing atop the group.
The 2023 ODI series in Pakistan was affected by rain. In one match, Pakistan scored 200/1 in 23.5 overs while chasing New Zealand’s 402. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method adjusted the target, and Pakistan’s resilience secured a victory, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
In 2025, New Zealand hosted Pakistan for a bilateral series consisting of five T20Is and three ODIs. New Zealand dominated the T20I series, winning 4-1. Key results included a nine-wicket win in Christchurch on March 16, a five-wicket win in Dunedin on March 18, and a 115-run victory in Mount Maunganui on March 23. Pakistan managed a nine-wicket win in Auckland on March 21, but New Zealand sealed the series with an eight-wicket win in Wellington on March 26.
The ODI series was a clean sweep for New Zealand, who won 3-0. The first ODI in Napier on March 29 ended with a 73-run victory for New Zealand, followed by an 84-run win in Hamilton on April 2. The third ODI in Mount Maunganui on April 5 saw New Zealand win by 43 runs in a 42-over game. These results highlighted New Zealand’s depth and home advantage, with standout performances from players like Mitchell Hay and Jacob Duffy.
2025 Series Results
| Date | Format | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 16, 2025 | T20I | Christchurch | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| Mar 18, 2025 | T20I | Dunedin | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| Mar 21, 2025 | T20I | Auckland | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
| Mar 23, 2025 | T20I | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
| Mar 26, 2025 | T20I | Wellington | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Mar 29, 2025 | ODI | Napier | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| Apr 02, 2025 | ODI | Hamilton | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| Apr 05, 2025 | ODI | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
Pakistan National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Standings
To provide context for Pakistan’s performance, it’s worth examining the Pakistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team standings in major tournaments. Pakistan and India have one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket, often producing high-stakes matches. In the 1992 World Cup, Pakistan defeated India in the group stage, contributing to their eventual tournament victory. However, India has had the upper hand in recent ICC events. For example, in the 2011 World Cup semi-final, India defeated Pakistan by 29 runs to advance to the final, which they won. In the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, Pakistan bounced back, defeating India by 180 runs to claim the title.
As of 2025, Pakistan and India have faced off in 135 ODIs, with India winning 57 and Pakistan winning 73, with five matches ending without a result. In T20Is, India leads with 8 wins to Pakistan’s 4 in 12 matches. These Pakistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team standings highlight the competitive nature of their encounters, with Pakistan often performing strongly in high-pressure ICC events.
Head-to-Head Record (1955–2025)
The Pakistan national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline shows a closely contested rivalry. As of December 2024, the overall head-to-head record is:
| Format | Matches Played | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draws/Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 25 | 14 | 23 |
| ODIs | 122 | 61 | 57 | 4 (1 tie, 3 no result) |
| T20Is | 49 | 24 | 23 | 2 (no result) |
| Total | 233 | 110 | 94 | 29 |
Pakistan holds a slight edge in Tests and ODIs, while T20Is are nearly even, reflecting the competitive balance between the two teams.
Key Moments and Performances
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team timeline is filled with memorable moments. Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup semi-final win, led by Javed Miandad’s gritty batting, remains iconic. New Zealand’s 2000 ICC Champions Trophy victory showcased their ability to perform on the big stage. In recent years, players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for Pakistan, and Kane Williamson and Trent Boult for New Zealand, have added new chapters to this rivalry with their stellar performances.
The 2025 series demonstrated New Zealand’s home dominance, with their bowlers exploiting conditions effectively. Pakistan, despite setbacks, showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their T20I win in Auckland, driven by aggressive batting from Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz.
Conclusion
The Pakistan national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline is a story of intense competition, unforgettable matches, and evolving team dynamics. From Pakistan’s early Test series win in 1955 to New Zealand’s commanding performance in 2025, this rivalry has produced thrilling cricket for fans worldwide. While Pakistan has historically had an edge in ODIs, New Zealand’s disciplined approach and home advantage have made them formidable opponents in recent years. The Pakistan national cricket team vs India national cricket team standings add context to Pakistan’s competitive spirit in ICC tournaments, where they often rise to the occasion. As both teams continue to develop new talent, this rivalry promises more exciting encounters in the future.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is based on historical and recent cricket data available up to July 23, 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, match results, statistics, and player performances are subject to change. For the latest updates, refer to official cricket boards or trusted sports news sources.