The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand, two teams known for their resilience and flair, has produced many thrilling and memorable moments across all formats of the game.
From their first-ever meeting in 1955 to their latest encounters in ICC tournaments, the history of Pakistan vs New Zealand is filled with exciting contests, dramatic matchups, and unforgettable performances.
In this blog, we will take a deep dive into the rich history of the Pakistan vs New Zealand rivalry, exploring their Test, ODI, and T20 encounters over the decades.
Whether it’s a classic Test series or a high-octane T20I clash, the matches between these two teams have been a source of joy for cricket fans around the world.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand began in the mid-1950s, when the two teams faced off for the first time. Since then, both nations have seen their fair share of success and heartbreak on the field.
The Black Caps, known for their consistency and teamwork, have always been a challenging opponent for Pakistan, while Pakistan has brought its flair and unpredictability to the table, often creating unforgettable moments.
Over the years, New Zealand has been a formidable opponent for Pakistan in ICC tournaments, including the 1992 World Cup, where they faced each other in a nail-biting semi-final. Pakistan has also had its fair share of success, notably in the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, where they defeated New Zealand in the final.
Whether in Test matches, ODIs, or T20Is, the encounters between Pakistan and New Zealand have often been closely contested, with both teams producing stellar performances.
The rivalry continues to evolve, and it remains one of the most interesting and exciting matchups in world cricket.
| Statistic | Test (1955–2023) | ODI (1973–2025) | T20I (2005–2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Span | 1955–2023 | 1973–2025 | 2005–2025 |
| Matches Played | 59 | 116 | 32 |
| Wins (Pakistan) | 25 | 55 | 17 |
| Wins (New Zealand) | 16 | 52 | 15 |
| Losses (Pakistan) | 16 | 58 | 15 |
| Losses (New Zealand) | 25 | 59 | 17 |
| Draws | 18 | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (Pakistan) | 1.56 | 0.95 | 1.13 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (New Zealand) | 0.64 | 0.88 | 1.00 |
| Win Percentage (Pakistan) | 42.37% | 47.41% | 53.12% |
| Win Percentage (New Zealand) | 27.12% | 44.82% | 46.87% |
| Loss Percentage (Pakistan) | 27.12% | 50.00% | 46.87% |
| Loss Percentage (New Zealand) | 42.37% | 52.67% | 53.12% |
| Draw Percentage (Tests only) | 30.51% | 0% | 0% |
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ODIs: 3 new matches added from the 2025 ODI series, all won by New Zealand. Total ODIs increased from 113 to 116.
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T20Is: 5 new matches added from the 2025 T20I series, New Zealand won 4, Pakistan won 1. Total T20Is increased from 27 to 32.
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Tests: No new Test matches between 2023 and April 2025, so the Test stats remain unchanged.
Timeline of Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches
1. Pakistan vs New Zealand Test Matches Timeline
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Test cricket between Pakistan and New Zealand has seen a series of closely contested matches. Some series have been memorable for their thrilling finishes, while others have been defined by i Here’s the table of series results for New Zealand vs Pakistan in Tests:
| Series/Tournament | Season | Winner | Margin |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1955/56 | Pakistan | 2-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1964/65 | Drawn | 0-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1964/65 | Pakistan | 2-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1969/70 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1972/73 | Pakistan | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1976/77 | Pakistan | 2-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1978/79 | Pakistan | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1984/85 | Pakistan | 2-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1984/85 | New Zealand | 2-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1988/89 | Drawn | 0-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1990/91 | Pakistan | 3-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Match | 1992/93 | Pakistan | 1-0 (1) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 1993/94 | Pakistan | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Match | 1995/96 | Pakistan | 1-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 1996/97 | Drawn | 1-1 (2) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2000/01 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 2002 | Pakistan | 1-0 (1) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2003/04 | Pakistan | 1-0 (2) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2009/10 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2010/11 | Pakistan | 1-0 (2) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand Test Series (UAE) | 2014/15 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2016/17 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand Test Series (UAE) | 2018/19 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand Test Series | 2020/21 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan Test Series | 2022/23 | Drawn | 0-0 (2) |
2. Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Matches Timeline
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ODIs between Pakistan and New Zealand have often been high-scoring affairs with both teams putting up remarkable performances. Their encounters in World Cups and other ICC tournaments h Here’s the table for the series results between New Zealand and Pakistan in ODIs:
| Series/Tournament | Season | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Match | 1972/73 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Match | 1976/77 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 1984/85 | Pakistan | 3-1 (4) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 1984/85 | New Zealand | 3-0 (4) |
| Dunedin Test Replacement Match | 1988/89 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 1988/89 | New Zealand | 3-1 (4) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 1990/91 | Pakistan | 3-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 1992/93 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 1993/94 | Pakistan | 3-1 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 1995/96 | Drawn | 2-2 (4) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 1996/97 | Pakistan | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2000/01 | New Zealand | 3-2 (5) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 2002 | Pakistan | 3-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 2003/04 | Pakistan | 5-0 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2003/04 | New Zealand | 4-1 (5) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand ODI Series (UAE) | 2009/10 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2010/11 | Pakistan | 3-2 (6) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand ODI Series (UAE) | 2014/15 | New Zealand | 3-2 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2014/15 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2015/16 | New Zealand | 2-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2017/18 | New Zealand | 5-0 (5) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand ODI Series (UAE) | 2018/19 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 2022/23 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan ODI Series | 2023 | Pakistan | 4-1 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series | 2025 | New Zealand | 3-0 (3) |
3. Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Matches Timeline
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The T20I format has added an exciting new dimension to the Pakistan-New Zealand rivalry. Both teams have produced thrilling T20 encounters, with fast-paced action and close finishes.
H
| Series/Tournament | Season | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan v New Zealand T20I Series (UAE) | 2009/10 | Pakistan | 2-0 (2) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2010/11 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand T20I Series (UAE) | 2014/15 | Drawn | 1-1 (2) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2015/16 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2017/18 | Pakistan | 2-1 (3) |
| Pakistan v New Zealand T20I Series (UAE) | 2018/19 | Pakistan | 3-0 (3) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2020/21 | New Zealand | 2-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan T20I Series | 2023 | Drawn | 2-2 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2023/24 | New Zealand | 4-1 (5) |
| New Zealand in Pakistan T20I Series | 2024 | Drawn | 2-2 (5) |
| Pakistan in New Zealand T20I Series | 2025 | New Zealand | 4-1 (5) |
Key Moments in the Pakistan vs New Zealand Rivalry
Iconic Test Match Moments
- 1989 Test Series: Pakistan’s thrilling 2-1 win in New Zealand was one of the highlights of the 1980s, with unforgettable performances from Imran Khan and Wasim Akram.
- 2009 Test Series: Pakistan’s 1-0 win in New Zealand, following a break from international cricket, was a testament to their resilience.
Memorable ODI Moments
- 1992 Cricket World Cup: New Zealand’s dramatic loss to Pakistan in the semi-finals of the 1992 World Cup set the stage for Pakistan’s World Cup victory.
- 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: Pakistan’s thrilling 11-run victory over New Zealand in the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Cup remains one of the most unforgettable moments in their ODI history.
Thrilling T20 Encounters
- 2009 ICC T20 World Cup Final: Pakistan defeated New Zealand in the final to win their first ICC T20 World Cup title.
- 2021 T20I Series: New Zealand’s stunning comeback in the T20I series in Pakistan showed their growing strength in the shortest format.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand continues to be one of the most exciting in world cricket.
With both teams possessing tremendous talent, innovative strategies, and the ability to produce match-winning performances, we can expect more thrilling encounters in the future. Whether in Test cricket, ODIs, or T20Is, the battles between Pakistan and New Zealand promise to be full of drama and excitement.
Stay tuned for more updates, match reports, and statistics as this exciting rivalry continues to unfold!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When did Pakistan and New Zealand first play a Test match?
Pakistan and New Zealand first played a Test match in 1955.
What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and New Zealand in ODIs?
As of 2023, New Zealand has won 49 of the 113 ODIs played against Pakistan, while Pakistan has won 55.
Has there been any memorable World Cup encounter between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Yes, the 1992 World Cup semi-final, where Pakistan defeated New Zealand, is one of the most iconic moments in this rivalry.
How many T20I matches have Pakistan and New Zealand played?
Pakistan and New Zealand have played 27 T20I matches as of 2023, with Pakistan winning 16 and New Zealand winning 11.
Which team has the better win percentage in ODIs?
As of 2023, Pakistan has a slightly better win percentage in ODIs at 48.67% compared to New Zealand’s 43.36%.
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