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Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches have produced one of the most competitive rivalries in international cricket. The two teams have met across Tests, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals for decades, with Pakistan holding the advantage in Tests and ODIs while the T20I rivalry remains extremely close.
The rivalry began in Test cricket in 1955 and has continued across different generations of players. From classic Test battles and dramatic ODI World Cup encounters to modern T20 contests, Pakistan and New Zealand have regularly produced matches that combine high-quality bowling, aggressive batting and pressure situations.
As of the latest available records, Pakistan and New Zealand have played 62 Tests, 122 ODIs and 50 T20Is. Pakistan lead the Test head-to-head with 25 wins to New Zealand’s 14, while 23 Tests have been drawn. In ODIs, Pakistan have won 61 matches compared with New Zealand’s 57, with one tie and three no-results. In T20Is, Pakistan have a narrow 24-23 advantage, with three matches ending without a result.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
The overall head-to-head record shows how evenly matched these two teams have been in white-ball cricket. Pakistan have a stronger historical record in Tests and a slight advantage in ODIs and T20Is.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draw/Tie/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 25 | 14 | 23 draws |
| ODIs | 122 | 61 | 57 | 1 tie, 3 no-results |
| T20Is | 50 | 24 | 23 | 3 no-results |
| Total | 234 | 110 | 94 | 27+ other results |
The Test record particularly favors Pakistan, who have won 25 of the 62 meetings. New Zealand have won 14, while 23 Tests have been drawn. In ODIs, Pakistan’s advantage is much smaller, with 61 wins against New Zealand’s 57. The T20I rivalry is even tighter, with Pakistan leading 24-23.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Test Match History
Pakistan and New Zealand first played a Test match in 1955. Over the decades, Pakistan established a strong advantage in the longer format.
According to historical Test records, the teams have played 62 Tests, with Pakistan winning 25 and New Zealand winning 14. Twenty-three matches have ended in draws. There has also been one abandoned match and several historical cancellations in the broader records.
Pakistan’s dominance has been particularly noticeable across several periods of the rivalry. New Zealand, however, have produced important victories, especially when their pace attack has been able to exploit helpful conditions.
One of the notable modern New Zealand victories came in Christchurch in January 2021, when New Zealand defeated Pakistan by an innings and 176 runs. New Zealand also won the first Test of that series in Mount Maunganui by 101 runs.
Another memorable Test came in Abu Dhabi in November 2018, when New Zealand defeated Pakistan by four runs in a remarkably close contest. Pakistan then responded in the second Test by winning by an innings and 16 runs.
The statistical history also contains some enormous batting performances. New Zealand’s highest team total against Pakistan is 690, while Pakistan’s highest is 643.
Important Pakistan vs New Zealand Test Matches
Some Test matches have played a major role in shaping the rivalry.
| Year | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Karachi | Pakistan won |
| 1990-91 | Faisalabad | Historic Pakistan-New Zealand Test |
| 2014 | Sharjah | New Zealand won by an innings and 80 runs |
| 2016 | Christchurch | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 2016 | Hamilton | New Zealand won by 138 runs |
| 2018 | Abu Dhabi | New Zealand won by 4 runs |
| 2018 | Dubai | Pakistan won by an innings and 16 runs |
| 2020-21 | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 101 runs |
| 2021 | Christchurch | New Zealand won by an innings and 176 runs |
| 2022-23 | Karachi | Test drawn |
The 2018 Abu Dhabi Test remains one of the closest results in the history of Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches. New Zealand’s four-run victory demonstrated how competitive the rivalry can become when both teams are under pressure.
Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI History
The ODI rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand is one of the most balanced in international cricket.
The two sides have played 122 ODIs. Pakistan have won 61, New Zealand have won 57, one match has been tied and three have ended without a result.
Pakistan have historically been strong in neutral venues, while New Zealand have enjoyed home advantage. The teams have also met regularly in major ICC tournaments, making their ODI rivalry particularly important.
Pakistan’s strengths in these matches have traditionally included quality fast bowling, wrist-spin and aggressive top-order batting. New Zealand have often countered with disciplined seam bowling, athletic fielding and technically strong middle-order batting.
Recent Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI Matches
The 2025 ODI series in New Zealand was particularly significant. New Zealand completed a 3-0 series victory against Pakistan.
The first ODI at Napier saw New Zealand score 344/9 before Pakistan were dismissed for 271, giving the hosts a 73-run victory. The second ODI in Hamilton followed a similar pattern, with New Zealand scoring 292/8 and Pakistan making 208. New Zealand won by 84 runs.
In the third ODI at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand made 264/8 and Pakistan were bowled out for 221. New Zealand won by 43 runs and completed the 3-0 whitewash.
| Date | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 29 Mar 2025 | 1st ODI | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| 2 Apr 2025 | 2nd ODI | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| 5 Apr 2025 | 3rd ODI | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
The series highlighted New Zealand’s ability to use home conditions effectively. Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan later pointed to missed opportunities and difficulties against the new ball as major factors behind the series defeat.
Pakistan vs New Zealand in ICC Tournaments
Pakistan and New Zealand have frequently crossed paths in ICC competitions, especially in the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup.
One of the most memorable modern encounters came in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the tournament.
New Zealand scored 320/5, with Will Young making 107 and Tom Latham remaining unbeaten on 118. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 260 despite useful contributions from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.
New Zealand also defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy final against India, but that match did not directly involve Pakistan after the opening game.
The teams met again in the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eight stage. However, rain prevented any play in Colombo and the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Both sides received one point.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Head-to-Head
The T20I rivalry is perhaps the closest part of the overall Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches history.
The teams have played 50 T20Is. Pakistan have won 24, New Zealand have won 23 and three matches have ended without a result.
This record reflects the changing nature of T20 cricket. Unlike Test cricket, where Pakistan have a clear historical advantage, the shortest format has regularly produced victories for both teams.
Pakistan’s traditional strengths in T20 matches include fast bowling, explosive batting and spin in the middle overs. New Zealand have countered with calculated batting, strong powerplay bowling and excellent fielding.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I Series in 2025
The five-match T20I series in New Zealand in March 2025 was one of the clearest recent examples of New Zealand’s dominance in the format.
New Zealand won the first match by nine wickets after restricting Pakistan to 91. They then won the second match by five wickets.
Pakistan responded in the third match with a nine-wicket victory after scoring 207/1. New Zealand regained control in the fourth match, winning by 115 runs after making 220/6.
In the fifth T20I, New Zealand won by eight wickets to complete a 4-1 series victory.
| T20I | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st T20I, 16 Mar 2025 | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 2nd T20I, 18 Mar 2025 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 3rd T20I, 21 Mar 2025 | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
| 4th T20I, 23 Mar 2025 | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
| 5th T20I, 26 Mar 2025 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand won 4-1 |
The series was notable for New Zealand’s consistent bowling and Pakistan’s difficulty producing sustained batting performances across all five games.
Pakistan vs New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup produced another scheduled meeting between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The two sides were drawn together in the Super Eight stage. Their match took place in Colombo on 21 February 2026, but heavy rain prevented the game from starting after the toss. Pakistan had elected to bat, but the covers remained in place and the match was eventually abandoned.
Both teams received one point.
This result became especially important because Super Eight matches can have a major impact on qualification and net run rate calculations. In this case, the abandoned match meant neither team could claim the two points available for a victory.
Famous Pakistan vs New Zealand Cricket Matches
The rivalry has produced several memorable contests.
The four-run New Zealand Test victory in Abu Dhabi in 2018 is among the closest Test matches between the teams. New Zealand’s lower-order resistance and disciplined bowling helped them defend a small target.
The 2025 Champions Trophy opener was another important match. New Zealand’s 320/5, powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, proved too much for Pakistan. The 60-run victory gave New Zealand an excellent start to the tournament.
In T20 cricket, the 2010 World T20 meeting was famously close, with New Zealand winning by just one run. Pakistan’s 2009 and 2007 World T20 victories over New Zealand were also significant moments in the tournament history.
Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Record
Pakistan and New Zealand have met several times in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Their World Cup meetings have generally favored Pakistan. Before the 2026 edition, Pakistan had won five of the previous seven completed meetings, while New Zealand had won two. The 2026 Super Eight meeting was abandoned without a ball being bowled, making it the first no-result in their T20 World Cup head-to-head record.
| T20 World Cup Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2009 | Pakistan won by 6 wickets |
| 2010 | New Zealand won by 1 run |
| 2012 | Pakistan won by 13 runs |
| 2016 | New Zealand won by 22 runs |
| 2021 | Pakistan won by 5 wickets |
| 2022 | Pakistan won by 7 wickets |
| 2026 | Match abandoned |
This record demonstrates why Pakistan vs New Zealand is regularly considered an important T20 World Cup rivalry.
Key Players in Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches
Many outstanding cricketers have contributed to this rivalry.
For Pakistan, players such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saqlain Mushtaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have played important roles against New Zealand.
New Zealand have also produced several stars in this fixture, including Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe, Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
Modern encounters have increasingly featured aggressive white-ball cricket. Babar Azam’s batting, Pakistan’s pace attack and New Zealand’s disciplined seam bowling have frequently been central to the results.
Batting and Bowling Battles
Pakistan vs New Zealand matches often produce interesting contests between technically strong batters and high-quality fast bowlers.
Pakistan’s pace tradition has been one of the defining characteristics of the rivalry. New Zealand conditions can provide movement for seamers, making the opening overs particularly important.
New Zealand have also developed a strong pace-bowling tradition. Bowlers such as Trent Boult and Tim Southee have repeatedly challenged Pakistan’s top order with swing and variations.
In T20 cricket, the battle changes quickly. Batters look to attack during the powerplay while bowlers try to control scoring through yorkers, slower deliveries and hard lengths.
Home Advantage in Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches
Home conditions have historically influenced the rivalry.
Pakistan’s grounds generally offer different conditions from New Zealand’s seam-friendly venues. In Pakistan, batters can often benefit from slower surfaces, while spinners may become increasingly important as matches progress.
New Zealand’s pitches can provide movement for fast bowlers, particularly early in an innings. The weather can also influence playing conditions.
This difference helps explain why a team that dominates a series at home may struggle when the rivalry moves to the other country.
The 2025 white-ball tour was a good example. New Zealand won the T20I series 4-1 and the ODI series 3-0 on home soil.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Overall Record
The overall numbers show that Pakistan have a historical advantage, but New Zealand have narrowed the gap significantly in modern white-ball cricket.
| Category | Pakistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 25 | 14 |
| ODI wins | 61 | 57 |
| T20I wins | 24 | 23 |
| Test draws | 23 | — |
| ODI ties | 1 | 1 |
| ODI no-results | 3 | 3 |
| T20I no-results | 3 | 3 |
Pakistan lead the historical Test record comfortably. In ODIs, the difference is only four victories, while T20Is are separated by just one win.
Why Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches Are Important
The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches are important because the rivalry combines history with competitive balance.
Both teams have experienced periods of dominance. Pakistan have traditionally possessed a strong Test and ODI record, while New Zealand have become increasingly consistent across white-ball cricket.
Their matches also provide an interesting contrast in cricketing styles. Pakistan are famous for producing fast bowlers and naturally aggressive players, while New Zealand have built a reputation around disciplined team cricket, tactical flexibility and excellent fielding.
The rivalry has also featured regularly in ICC tournaments, increasing its importance for global cricket audiences.
Latest Pakistan vs New Zealand Cricket Results
The most recent completed senior men’s meetings before the 2026 T20 World Cup came during New Zealand’s 2025 home series against Pakistan.
New Zealand won all five T20Is except the third, which Pakistan won by nine wickets. The hosts then completed a 3-0 ODI sweep.
The 2026 T20 World Cup meeting ended without a result because of rain. The match was abandoned without a ball being bowled, with both teams receiving one point.
This means the next completed Pakistan vs New Zealand match will be closely watched, particularly because the recent white-ball rivalry has favored New Zealand.
Future of the Pakistan vs New Zealand Rivalry
The rivalry is likely to remain important across all three formats. Pakistan continue to possess a deep pool of fast bowlers and powerful batters, while New Zealand remain one of the most tactically disciplined teams in international cricket.
Future bilateral series should provide opportunities for both teams to improve their records. ICC tournaments will also continue to create high-pressure meetings where one match can determine qualification, semifinal positions or tournament momentum.
With the T20I head-to-head separated by only one victory and the ODI record also extremely close, every future white-ball series can potentially change the balance of the rivalry.
Conclusion
Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team matches represent a long-running international cricket rivalry with a fascinating mix of history, close contests and memorable performances.
Pakistan lead the Test record with 25 wins from 62 matches, while New Zealand have won 14 and 23 Tests have been drawn. In ODIs, Pakistan have a narrow 61-57 advantage from 122 matches, with one tie and three no-results. The T20I rivalry is even closer, with Pakistan leading 24-23 after 50 matches.
Recent results have shown New Zealand’s strength in home conditions. They won the 2025 T20I series 4-1 and completed a 3-0 ODI sweep. Their 2025 Champions Trophy victory over Pakistan also demonstrated their ability to perform under major tournament pressure.
The 2026 T20 World Cup meeting added another unusual chapter when rain caused the Super Eight match to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.
With such a close white-ball record and a rich Test history, Pakistan vs New Zealand matches should continue to be among the most interesting fixtures in international cricket.
What is the overall Pakistan vs New Zealand head-to-head record?
Pakistan and New Zealand have played 62 Tests, 122 ODIs and 50 T20Is. Pakistan lead Tests 25-14, ODIs 61-57 and T20Is 24-23, with draws and no-results accounting for the remaining matches.
Who has won more Pakistan vs New Zealand Test matches?
Pakistan have won more Test matches. They have 25 victories compared with New Zealand’s 14, while 23 Tests have been drawn.
Who has won more Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI matches?
Pakistan have a narrow advantage in ODIs. They have won 61 of the 122 meetings, while New Zealand have won 57. One match was tied and three ended without a result.
Who has the better T20I record between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan currently have the narrowest possible advantage, with 24 T20I victories compared with New Zealand’s 23. Three matches have ended without a result.
What happened when Pakistan played New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Their Super Eight match in Colombo on 21 February 2026 was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. Pakistan and New Zealand shared one point each.