The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline have had a very competitive relationship for many years. Whether it was through some of the most exciting test matches in recent history, or the numerous odi and t20 games that they have played against each other, both teams have produced some of the best performances possible. In this article we will look at how their cricket history has evolved, their head-to-head records, some of their most memorable matches, major victories for each team, and key moments in their cricket history.
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline
New Zealand and Pakistan have a long-standing cricket rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable matches in Test, One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) formats.
The very first Test match between these two countries was played during the year 1955. Following that initial Test match, each country has participated in many other bilateral series and international tournaments. As such, Pakistan has generally been considered to be a formidable adversary for New Zealand, and New Zealand has grown into a strong competitor with a combination of outstanding batters and bowlers.
Some of the greatest moments include Pakistan winning the 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final, Inzamam-ul-Haq scoring an incredible 329 runs during a Test Match in 2002, and Finn Allen’s sensational 137 run knock in a T20 International in 2024.
This rivalry has provided some great endings to games over the years, set records for individuals, and helped each team achieve major wins.
History of New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Rivalry
The first time the two countries played each other was in 1955 when Pakistan toured New Zealand to play a Test match series. At this point in time, Test cricket was the only international format available to compete against each other.
In time, Pakistan became one of the top nations in cricket by having both highly skilled batters and some of the best fast bowlers in the world. New Zealand too earned a name for being able to play with great discipline as a team.
The rivalry became a different type of competition in 1973 as the two teams had their first ODI against each other in Christchurch. New Zealand came out on top of this match, winning by 22 runs.
In the 1980’s and 1990’s, Pakistan emerged as an international cricket powerhouse under the guidance of Imran Khan. Other key contributors to Pakistan’s success were players like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Javed Miandad.
The introduction of T20 International cricket in 2007 added another exciting dimension to this rivalry.
Important milestones in the rivalry:
- 1955: First Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand.
- 1973: First ODI between the two countries.
- 1992: Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup semi-final.
- 2002: Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 329 runs against New Zealand.
- 2007: First T20 International between the teams.
- 2014: New Zealand scored 690 runs in a Test match against Pakistan.
- 2024: Finn Allen scored 137 runs in a T20I against Pakistan.
- 2025: New Zealand recorded several victories during their home series against Pakistan.
- 2026: Both teams met in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Records
Pakistan and New Zealand have competed against each other in each of the three major types of international cricket. Overall, Pakistan has held a significant edge, especially in Test and One-Day International (ODI) cricket. However, New Zealand has had some very important wins during both bilateral series and international tournaments.
Overall Head-to-Head Records
The following table shows the men’s international head-to-head record.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Won | New Zealand Won | Draw/Tie | No Result |
| Test | 62 | 25 | 14 | 23 | 0 |
| ODI | 122 | 61 | 57 | 1 | 3 |
| T20I | 50 | 24 | 23 | 0 | 3 |
| Total | 234 | 110 | 94 | 24 | 6 |
Test Match Records
Pakistan have historically performed better than New Zealand in Test cricket. Both teams have played several memorable five-day matches featuring outstanding batting and bowling performances.
| Test Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 62 |
| Pakistan Wins | 25 |
| New Zealand Wins | 14 |
| Drawn Matches | 23 |
| First Test | 1955 |
| Highest New Zealand Team Total | 690 |
| Highest Individual Score | 329 -Inzamam-ul-Haq |
| Best Bowling Figures | 8/41 – Yasir Shah |
Inzamam-ul-Haq delivered a performance that was among the best batting displays ever seen in the history of the Pakistan-New Zealand cricket rivalry. He made 329 runs during a match against New Zealand played in Lahore in 2002.
New Zealand additionally had a very successful batting day in 2014 when they played in Sharjah. In total, they scored 690 runs during their first turn at bat. Brendon McCullum contributed 202 of those runs, and Kane Williamson added another 192.
ODI Match Records
Pakistan and New Zealand have played numerous competitive One Day International matches since 1973. Pakistan have a narrow advantage in their overall ODI record.
| ODI Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 122 |
| Pakistan Wins | 61 |
| New Zealand Wins | 57 |
| Tied Matches | 1 |
| No Results | 3 |
| First ODI | 11 February 1973 |
| Highest Team Total | 401/6 – New Zealand |
| Highest Individual Score | 137* – Inzamam-ul-Haq |
Pakistan’s experienced batting lineup has delivered several impressive performances against New Zealand. New Zealand have also produced powerful batting displays, particularly in modern ODI cricket.
T20 International Records
T20 cricket has added another exciting chapter to the New Zealand vs Pakistan rivalry. Both teams have produced high-scoring matches, quick run chases, and outstanding bowling performances.
| T20I Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 50 |
| Pakistan Wins | 24 |
| New Zealand Wins | 23 |
| Tied Matches | 0 |
| No Results | 3 |
| First T20I | 22 September 2007 |
| Highest Individual Score | 137 – Finn Allen |
| Highest Team Total | 226/8 – New Zealand |
Finn Allen’s explosive 137-run innings against Pakistan in Dunedin in January 2024 remains one of the most memorable batting performances in this rivalry.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Timeline: Year-by-Year Matches
The history of New Zealand versus Pakistan in cricket is divided into several major eras. Each era has brought in new talent, provided us with many memorable games, and showed how each country plays its own brand of international cricket.
Early Encounters (1955-1970)
The official start of the rivalry occurred in 1955 when Pakistan visited New Zealand to play their first Test series against that nation.
During this time frame, the two teams were beginning to establish themselves as international cricket nations. This was also when test cricket was the only form of competition between them.
Pakistan established a name for itself with good batsmen and quality bowlers. New Zealand slowly developed into a stronger international cricket team.
One of the first significant results was the dismissal of New Zealand for only 70 runs by Pakistan in Dhaka in 1955.
Growing Rivalry (1971-1990)
The 1970’s introduced a whole new aspect to the rivalry with the introduction of One Day International Cricket.
The first One Day International (ODI) game between New Zealand and Pakistan was played at Christchurch on February 11, 1973. New Zealand won that game by 22 runs.
Pakistan’s ODI team grew to be a strong one in the 1980s when Imran Khan took over as captain. Some of Pakistan’s key players during this period included Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, and Abdul Qadir. These players contributed to a number of big wins for Pakistan.
In addition to Australia, other nations have produced some of the world’s best cricketers, including New Zealand, which has produced several top-class players, notably Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe.
Memorable Battles (1991-2000)
The 1990s were an important period in the history of this rivalry.
One of the most significant events occurred during the 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final in Auckland. New Zealand posted a total of 262/7 and Martin Crowe was responsible for scoring 91 runs.
Pakistan was able to successfully chase down the required total and therefore won the game with 4 wickets to spare. Inzamam-ul-Haq contributed 60 runs off of only 37 balls to assist Pakistan in achieving their first win of the series.
Pakistan went on to win the 1992 Cricket World Cup, which makes this match a significant moment in Pakistani cricket.
Competitive Era (2001-2010)
The 2000s featured several memorable performances from both teams.
In 2002 Inzamam-ul-Haq made 329 runs versus New Zealand in Lahore. This is still considered by many to be one of the best single-day batting performances of all time in Test cricket played between the two nations.
Shoaib Akhtar and other fast bowlers of Pakistan produced remarkable bowling displays during this time as well.
In 2007, the first ever T20I match between Pakistan and New Zealand was played. This initial T20I match was part of the very first ICC World Twenty20 tournament held in South Africa. Pakistan defeated New Zealand in that initial match with a victory margin of six wickets.
Modern Cricket Rivalry (2011-2020)
Between 2011-2020 New Zealand and Pakistan continued to compete against each other in bilateral series and in international tournaments.
The New Zealand cricket team had a powerful batting order with Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Martin Guptill.
Pakistan has produced numerous exceptional cricketers such as Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Fakhar Zaman.
In 2014, one of the most significant moments occurred when New Zealand set a record for the number of runs scored (690) in a single Test match against Pakistan in Sharjah.
Both sides continued to show improvement in their limited overs game during that time.
Recent Encounters (2021-Present)
The competition has continued to be close over the last few years through both head-to-head matches and international cricket council events.
New Zealand visited Pakistan during the 2022-2023 season for Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket. Both teams put on some strong competition in their respective matches.
Finn Allen made history in January 2024 by scoring 137 runs in a T20I match against Pakistan played in Dunedin.
In March 2025, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 115 runs in the fourth T20 international played at Mount Maunganui. New Zealand posted a total of 220/6 batting first, and then dismissed Pakistan for 105.
In addition, New Zealand won all three of the ODI matches against Pakistan in 2025.
Both teams faced off against each other in February of 2026, during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight stage in Colombo. However, due to rain, the match did not have a winner.
Top 5 Memorable Matches Between New Zealand and Pakistan
Over the years, New Zealand and Pakistan have played several unforgettable matches. Some encounters are remembered for outstanding batting, while others became famous because of exceptional bowling and dramatic finishes.
Here are five important matches from their cricket rivalry.
| Year | Match | Venue | Result |
| 1992 | Cricket World Cup Semi-final | Auckland | Pakistan won by 4 wickets |
| 2002 | Test Match | Lahore | Pakistan won by an innings and 324 runs |
| 2014 | 3rd Test | Sharjah | Match drawn |
| 2024 | 3rd T20I | Dunedin | New Zealand won by 45 runs |
| 2025 | 4th T20I | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
Why these matches are memorable:
- 1992 World Cup Semi-final: Inzamam-ul-Haq played an outstanding innings to help Pakistan reach the World Cup final.
- 2002 Lahore Test: Inzamam scored 329 runs, one of the greatest individual performances in the rivalry.
- 2014 Sharjah Test: New Zealand scored 690 runs, with Brendon McCullum scoring 202 and Kane Williamson making 192.
- 2024 Dunedin T20I: Finn Allen smashed 137 runs from 62 balls to help New Zealand win.
- 2025 Mount Maunganui T20I: New Zealand scored 220/6 and defeated Pakistan by 115 runs.
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Highest Team Scores
Both teams have demonstrated excellent batting abilities in their international matches. New Zealand have produced some massive totals, especially in ODI and T20I cricket.
The following table highlights notable high team totals in their head-to-head rivalry.
| Format | Team | Score | Year |
| Test | New Zealand | 690 | 2014 |
| ODI | New Zealand | 401/6 | 2023 |
| ODI | New Zealand | 369/5 | 2015 |
| ODI | Pakistan | 364/7 | 2014 |
| T20I | New Zealand | 226/8 | 2024 |
| T20I | New Zealand | 224/7 | 2024 |
| T20I | New Zealand | 220/6 | 2025 |
New Zealand’s 690-run Test innings in Sharjah was particularly impressive. In limited-overs cricket, their powerful batting lineup has also produced several big totals against Pakistan.
The 226/8 score in January 2024 is a notable T20I total in this rivalry.
New Zealand vs Pakistan: Lowest Team Scores
Apart from high-scoring matches, the rivalry has also witnessed several batting collapses. Both teams have experienced difficult conditions against quality bowling attacks.
Here are some notable low totals recorded in their head-to-head encounters.
| Format | Team | Score | Year |
| Test | New Zealand | 70 | 1955 |
| ODI | New Zealand | 64 | 1986 |
| ODI | New Zealand | 74 | 1990 |
| T20I | Pakistan | 91 | 2025 |
New Zealand’s 70-run Test innings against Pakistan in 1955 remains a notable low point in their early rivalry.
In ODI cricket, Pakistan’s bowling attack dismissed New Zealand for just 64 runs in Sharjah in April 1986.
In T20I cricket, Pakistan were bowled out for 91 runs against New Zealand in March 2025.
These performances demonstrate how effective bowling can completely change the direction of an international cricket match.
Top Performers in New Zealand vs Pakistan Matches
Individual players have played a major role in making this rivalry exciting. Several legendary cricketers have delivered outstanding performances with both bat and ball.
Leading Run Scorers
The following players have made significant contributions to the batting history of this rivalry.
| Player | Country | Notable Achievement |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 329 runs in a Test innings |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Consistent batting across formats |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Important modern batting performances |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | Outstanding middle-order batting |
| Finn Allen | New Zealand | 137 runs in a T20I |
Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 329-run innings remains one of the most remarkable batting achievements in New Zealand vs Pakistan Test history.
Finn Allen also deserves special mention for his explosive T20I performance in 2024.
Leading Wicket Takers
Bowling has always been an important part of this rivalry. Pakistan’s fast bowlers and New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack have produced several match-winning performances.
| Player | Country | Notable Contribution |
| Waqar Younis | Pakistan | Reverse swing and fast bowling |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | Swing bowling and important wickets |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | Express pace and ODI wickets |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | Important wickets across formats |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | Swing bowling and early breakthroughs |
These bowlers have played important roles in their respective teams’ performances. Their ability to take wickets at crucial moments has made several matches between the countries memorable.
Best Individual Batting Performances
Some players have produced exceptional innings that remain memorable in this rivalry.
| Player | Team | Runs | Format | Year |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | Pakistan | 329 | Test | 2002 |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 202 | Test | 2014 |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 192 | Test | 2014 |
| Finn Allen | New Zealand | 137 | T20I | 2024 |
| Martin Crowe | New Zealand | 91 | ODI | 1992 |
These performances highlight the batting quality of both teams. Inzamam’s 329 and McCullum’s 202 are particularly memorable Test innings, while Finn Allen’s explosive T20I performance demonstrates the changing nature of modern cricket.
Best Bowling Performances
Several bowlers have delivered match-winning spells against the opposition.
| Bowler | Team | Bowling Figures | Format |
| Yasir Shah | Pakistan | 8/41 | Test |
| Shoaib Akhtar | Pakistan | 6/16 | ODI |
| Waqar Younis | Pakistan | 5-wicket hauls | Test and ODI |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | 4/20 | T20I |
Yasir Shah’s 8/41 performance in Dubai in 2018 is one of the best bowling performances in this rivalry.
Shoaib Akhtar’s 6/16 spell against New Zealand in Karachi in 2002 also remains a memorable ODI bowling performance.
ICC Tournament Encounters Between New Zealand and Pakistan
New Zealand and Pakistan have played against each other in many of the big ICC events. Many times these games are watched by a lot of people due to how much they matter to the world of international cricket.
ICC Cricket World Cup
In 1992, at the Cricket World Cup, the semi-finals was one of the greatest matches that ever took place between those two teams.
New Zealand scored 262/7 after batting first. Pakistan was able to successfully chase the score and won the match by 4 wickets. Inzamam-ul-Haq was instrumental in Pakistan’s win.
Pakistan eventually won the tournament by defeating England in the final.
ICC T20 World Cup
The two countries have also played each other in many editions of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The first T20 international match between these two teams occurred at the 2007 T20 World Cup semifinals. At that time, Pakistan defeated England by six wickets.
The two teams have already played against each other in the Super Eight of the 2026 T20 World Cup in Colombo. Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, neither team was able to produce a final outcome for that game.
The two sides have frequently been among the top contenders at ICC events so every match between them is always anticipated with excitement by cricket enthusiasts.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Recent Match Results
Recent encounters between New Zealand and Pakistan have featured competitive performances in T20I and ODI cricket.
The following table highlights selected recent international results.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result |
| 16 March 2025 | T20I | Christchurch | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 18 March 2025 | T20I | Dunedin | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 21 March 2025 | T20I | Auckland | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
| 23 March 2025 | T20I | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
| 26 March 2025 | T20I | Wellington | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 29 March 2025 | ODI | Napier | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| 2 April 2025 | ODI | Hamilton | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| 5 April 2025 | ODI | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
| 21 February 2026 | T20I | Colombo | No result |
These results show New Zealand’s strong performances during their 2025 home series, particularly in ODI cricket.
New Zealand won the five-match T20I series 4-1 and the three-match ODI series 3-0. The February 2026 T20 World Cup encounter was abandoned without a result.
Key Players in the New Zealand vs Pakistan Rivalry
The teams have both had some of the most famous and current day players that have helped create a competitive environment for each team to compete against one another.
Here are some important players from both sides.
New Zealand Key Players
Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson has been a fantastic batsman for New Zealand. He is a key member of the team due to his consistency at the plate, excellent batting mechanics, and solid leadership qualities, which will be vital during matches against Pakistan.
Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was known for being a very aggressive batsman. His score of 202 against Pakistan in 2014 remains one of the best single-day batting performances ever produced by a player from either country in their long-running cricket rivalry.
Ross Taylor
Ross Taylor was one of the top batsmen in the middle-order for New Zealand. His ability to build an inning, and then excel under extreme pressure have been crucial factors in several of the most famous victories achieved by the New Zealand National Cricket Team.
Finn Allen
In short-form (or limited-overs) cricket, Finn Allen has gained a name for himself as an aggressive batsman. He made his highest score of 137 runs in 2024 against Pakistan.
Pakistan Key Players
Inzamam-ul-Haq
Inzamam-ul-Haq was one of Pakistan’s best batsmen. He is most remembered for his incredible display of batting against New Zealand in 2002 when he scored a total of 329 runs during a Test match.
Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram is an exceptional left arm fast bowler. His ability to use his swing bowling to move the ball, and take crucial wickets will present a huge problem for the New Zealand batting lineup.
Waqar Younis
Waqar Younis’ ability to deliver reverse swing and yorkers made him one of the most effective bowlers on the Pakistani team. His inclusion into the Pakistani bowling unit contributed greatly to their success in matches played against New Zealand.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam is currently one of Pakistan’s best modern-day batsmen. He consistently produces good results with the bat, and he can adjust to many different types of pitches/conditions. Because of these qualities, he has become a major factor in the rivalry between the two teams.
Conclusion
The history of matches between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team shows that these two countries are rivals for being some of the most competitive teams in the world of International Cricket. Both teams have produced several historical and remarkable moments in Test matches, One Day International (ODI) matches, and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches since their first Test match series in 1955.
Both Pakistan and New Zealand have given us some of the finest displays of cricket that we can remember. Whether it was Inzamam-ul-Haq scoring 329 runs in a test match which broke all previous records or Finn Allen hitting a fast paced hundred in a T20I, there are many instances where these two sides showed their class. Currently, Pakistan is ahead in terms of head to head records, but New Zealand continues to fight hard and perform well. It is because of this reason that the rivalry between these two nations continues to captivate cricket lovers across the globe.
FAQs
Q1. When did New Zealand and Pakistan first play a cricket match?
New Zealand and Pakistan first played against each other in Test cricket in 1955. Pakistan toured New Zealand for a Test series.
Q2. Which team has won more matches between New Zealand and Pakistan?
Pakistan have won more matches overall across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. However, New Zealand have also recorded several important victories.
Q3. When was the first ODI match between New Zealand and Pakistan played?
Their first ODI was played on 11 February 1973 in Christchurch. New Zealand won the match by 22 runs.
Q4. Who scored 329 runs against New Zealand?
Inzamam-ul-Haq scored 329 runs against New Zealand in a Test match in Lahore in 2002.
Q5. Who scored 137 runs in a T20I match between New Zealand and Pakistan?
Finn Allen scored 137 runs from 62 balls against Pakistan in Dunedin in January 2024.
Q6. What was the result of the 1992 World Cup semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the 1992 Cricket World Cup semi-final in Auckland.
