Timeline of New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team
The competition of the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team is indeed one of the most interesting, volatile and emotional narratives in the world of cricket. Since the first Test matches in the 1950s all the way up to the present white-ball thrillers, both teams have created memorable cricketing drama.
The allure and ability of Pakistan combined with the discipline and consistency of New Zealand has produced a competition full of epic moments, world performances, and tense endings of over seventy years.
Head-to-Head Overview
Format – Matches – Pakistan Wins – New Zealand Wins – Draw/NR
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Tests: 60+ | Pakistan leads | New Zealand competitive | Many draws
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ODIs: 110+ | Close rivalry | Close rivalry | —
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T20Is: 35+ | Pakistan leads | NZ improving | —
In white-ball cricket, the balance between the two teams is extremely high, whereas Pakistan is traditionally a leader in Tests. This balance continues to shape the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team rivalry.
Timeline: Test Cricket Meetings
1955: The Beginning
This was the first Test series that was hosted in Pakistan. Pakistan also prevailed in initial battles of good spin bowling and domestic conditions favor.
1973: Pakistan’s Domination
In the 1970s, Pakistan had dominated the majority of the tests with the pace of Imran Khan, the class of Zaheer Abbas and home ground genius.
1984–1985: Rain-Marred Series in New Zealand
A show that was more to be remembered because of rain breaks than because of action. Nevertheless, the two teams were well-endowed with bowling skills.
1990: Wasim Akram’s Magic
Wasim Akram gave an iconic performance in New Zealand using swing bowling masterclass and single-handedly turning matches — a defining moment in the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team rivalry.
2016–17: Black Caps Bounce Back
At home, New Zealand won 2–0 over Pakistan showing their improvement as Kane Williamson, Boult, and Southee delivered top performances.
History: ODI Cricket Records
1973: First ODI Clash
They started their rivalry in limited-overs, and both teams were teaching the format to each other.
1992 World Cup: Semi-Final Clash
One of the most legendary ODI games of all time.
On their way to becoming World Champions, Pakistan shocked New Zealand in the semi-final — an iconic event in the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team timeline.
2009 Champions Trophy
New Zealand secured a key knockout game and eliminated Pakistan although Pakistan bowlers performed well.
2015 World Cup: Kane vs Misbah
The most exciting group stage match in which Kane Williamson led New Zealand to a stylish chase.
Timeline: T20I Clashes
2007 T20 World Cup
Their debut T20 World Cup meeting witnessed Pakistan’s aggressive bowling.
2010–2018: Pakistan’s T20 Dominance
Saeed Ajmal, Hafeez, Babar Azam, and strong pace units won Pakistan several T20 series in UAE.
2022: Tri-Series Final
New Zealand was beaten in a last-over final by Pakistan before the T20 World Cup 2022.
2024: New Zealand Levels the Score
New Zealand created equal footing with new talent emerging and winning home and away matches.
This period strengthened the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team competitiveness.
Best of the Best Since 2007
Pakistan Legends
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Imran Khan
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Wasim Akram
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Waqar Younis
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Saeed Anwar
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Babar Azam
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
New Zealand Legends
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Richard Hadlee
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Stephen Fleming
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Daniel Vettori
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Brendon McCullum
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Kane Williamson
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Trent Boult
These players have shaped and influenced the rivalry of the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team across decades.
Recent Series Highlights (2023–2025)
2023 ODI Series in Pakistan
Pakistan won early matches, but New Zealand recovered later in ODIs even with rested key players.
2024 New Zealand Tour
A tour containing T20Is and Tests where both teams showed strong bowling and young rising talent.
2025 Champions Trophy Preview
The upcoming Champions Trophy is expected to be an intense face-off as both teams prepare new combinations and power hitters, continuing the evolution of the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team rivalry.
Summary of Timeline of Major Series
From 1955 to 2025, the timeline shows:
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Pakistan’s domination in early decades
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New Zealand’s rise in the 2000s
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A modern balanced rivalry
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White-ball excitement, especially in T20Is
How This Rivalry Stands Out
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Matches are unpredictable
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Emotional and passionate fan bases
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Both teams create world-class bowlers
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ICC tournaments increased competition
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Modern cricket has brought closer matches than ever
Reactions of the Fans and Cultural Influence
Pakistan fans are loud, passionate, and culturally expressive. New Zealand fans are respectful, calm, and strongly supportive of sportsmanship. This clash of cultures and energy makes every match of the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team highly engaging on social media.
Summary
The contest between the New Zealand Cricket Team vs Pakistan Cricket Team has evolved from early Test battles into a modern-day cricketing spectacle. What began in the 1950s is now one of the most followed rivalries in world cricket, producing unforgettable moments in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
FAQs
Q. How often have Pakistan and New Zealand played?
Their first Test series was in 1955.
Q. Who has more wins in the head-to-head record?
Pakistan leads in Tests and T20Is; ODIs are very competitive.
Q. What was their most legendary game?
The 1992 World Cup semi-final.
Q. Who are the top performers in this rivalry?
Trent Boult, Kane Williamson, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Imran Khan, and Richard Hadlee.
Q. When is their next big series?
They are expected to meet in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
