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The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline is one of the longest-running rivalries in international cricket. The two teams first met in Test cricket in 1955, and their rivalry has since expanded across Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is).
Pakistan have historically held the advantage in Tests, while the ODI rivalry has been much closer. T20I cricket has also produced a highly competitive contest, with Pakistan and New Zealand separated by only one win in the overall record after their latest completed meeting in 2026. The latest T20I between the sides, at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
The rivalry has featured legendary players from both nations, including Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor and many others.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: Quick Overview
| Category | Pakistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| First Test meeting | 1955 | 1955 |
| Test matches | 62 | 62 |
| Test wins | 25 | 14 |
| Test draws | 23 | 23 |
| ODI matches | 122 | 122 |
| ODI wins | 61 | 57 |
| ODI ties | 1 | 1 |
| ODI no-results | 3 | 3 |
| T20I matches | 50 | 50 |
| T20I wins | 24 | 23 |
| T20I no-results | 3 | 3 |
| Latest T20I | 2026 | 2026 |
The Test record stands at 62 matches, with Pakistan winning 25 and New Zealand 14, while 23 Tests have been drawn.
The ODI record is also narrowly in Pakistan’s favour at 61 wins to 57, with one tie and three no-results. The T20I record is even closer: Pakistan have 24 wins, New Zealand 23 and three matches have produced no result.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: First Test in 1955
The international rivalry began in October 1955, when New Zealand toured Pakistan for a Test series.
The first Test was played in Karachi from October 13, 1955. Pakistan won by an innings and one run, immediately establishing an advantage over New Zealand in the new Test rivalry.
Pakistan’s early success was important because New Zealand were still developing their Test cricket programme. The teams subsequently played several closely contested Test series during the 1950s and 1960s.
By the end of the early period, Pakistan had established a strong record against New Zealand, particularly at home.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 1970s ODI Era
The rivalry entered a new phase when Pakistan and New Zealand began playing limited-overs cricket.
Their first men’s ODI meeting came in February 1973 at Christchurch, with Pakistan making 165 and New Zealand replying with 187. New Zealand won the historic first ODI between the teams. The Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians records the match as the first ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand.
ODI cricket gradually became an important part of the rivalry. The teams met in bilateral series as well as major international tournaments.
The ODI contest eventually became much closer than the Test record, with both teams collecting long winning runs over different periods.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 1980s and 1990s
During the 1980s and 1990s, Pakistan became one of the strongest teams in world cricket. New Zealand also developed into a highly competitive international side.
Pakistan’s fast-bowling tradition, led by players such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and later Waqar Younis, became an important feature of the rivalry.
New Zealand relied on disciplined batting and a strong all-round cricket culture, producing players such as Richard Hadlee, Martin Crowe and later Stephen Fleming.
The teams met regularly in Tests and ODIs, while World Cup encounters added another level of importance to the rivalry.
The balance of power changed repeatedly during this period, with Pakistan generally holding the stronger overall record but New Zealand capable of defeating Pakistan in major tournaments and overseas conditions.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 1999 Cricket World Cup
The 1999 Cricket World Cup was another significant tournament in the history of the rivalry.
Pakistan entered the tournament as one of the leading teams and eventually reached the final. New Zealand were also part of the competition, giving the two teams another opportunity to meet on the international stage.
The 1999 World Cup was particularly important for Pakistan because the tournament was one of the strongest campaigns in the country’s ODI history, although Pakistan ultimately lost the final to Australia.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2000s
The 2000s brought frequent bilateral and tournament meetings between Pakistan and New Zealand.
The teams continued to play Test and ODI series, while T20 cricket became increasingly important after the introduction of international Twenty20 cricket.
Their first T20I meeting came in September 2007 at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. Pakistan won that match, beginning a T20I rivalry that would eventually become one of the closest head-to-head contests in international cricket.
Pakistan’s T20 side became particularly successful during the early years of the format, while New Zealand remained a dangerous opponent.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2010s
The 2010s produced several important Pakistan-New Zealand contests across all three formats.
New Zealand’s home conditions often created challenges for Pakistan, especially in Test and ODI cricket. Pakistan, however, remained capable of producing outstanding results in New Zealand.
The T20I rivalry became increasingly competitive, with both teams developing strong limited-overs squads.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers and New Zealand’s technically strong batting line-ups frequently produced close matches.
2016 T20 World Cup
The 2016 ICC World Twenty20 brought another important Pakistan-New Zealand meeting.
New Zealand won their group match against Pakistan in Mohali, with Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson among the key performers. The result was part of New Zealand’s successful run through the group stage.
2017 Champions Trophy Era
Pakistan’s rise in ICC limited-overs cricket continued in 2017, when they won the ICC Champions Trophy.
Although New Zealand were unable to reach the latter stages of that tournament, the period highlighted Pakistan’s ability to compete with the strongest ODI teams.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2018–19
The 2018–19 period was particularly busy.
Pakistan and New Zealand played T20Is, ODIs and Tests during this period, providing another example of how the rivalry spans all formats.
The T20I series in the UAE was closely contested, while the ODI series included several low-scoring and tactical matches.
New Zealand’s Test side, led by Kane Williamson, was becoming increasingly difficult to beat, particularly in home conditions.
Pakistan remained competitive because of its pace attack and experienced middle order.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2020–21
The 2020–21 New Zealand tour of Pakistan was replaced by Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, with the teams playing two Tests and three T20Is.
New Zealand won the Test series 2-0. The first Test in Mount Maunganui was closely contested before New Zealand won by 101 runs, while the second Test in Christchurch was won by an innings and 176 runs.
New Zealand’s success was significant because it demonstrated the strength of their Test side under Kane Williamson.
The T20I series was also won by New Zealand, 2-1.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2022
The two teams met during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the semi-final at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
New Zealand scored 152/4, with Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson contributing to the total. Pakistan then chased the target with one over remaining.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan gave Pakistan a strong opening partnership, while Mitchell’s late innings helped New Zealand set a competitive total.
Pakistan’s victory took them into the 2022 T20 World Cup final, where they eventually lost to England.
This remains one of the most important knockout matches in the Pakistan-New Zealand T20I timeline.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2023 Test Series
New Zealand toured Pakistan at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023 for two Tests and three ODIs.
The two-match Test series ended 0-0, with both Tests drawn.
The first Test in Karachi was an extremely high-scoring draw. Pakistan made 438 in their first innings, New Zealand responded with 612, and Pakistan scored 311/8 declared in the second innings before New Zealand reached 61/1.
The second Test in Karachi was also drawn.
The Test series demonstrated the competitive nature of the teams despite Pakistan having the stronger historical record.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2023 ODI Series
New Zealand’s 2023 tour also featured a five-match ODI series in Pakistan.
Pakistan won the series 4-1, producing one of their strongest recent ODI performances against New Zealand.
The series included several high-scoring matches and demonstrated Pakistan’s strength in home conditions.
Pakistan won the first four completed matches before New Zealand responded with a victory in the fifth ODI.
The series was particularly significant because it came during the build-up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2023 T20I Series
The teams also played a five-match T20I series in Pakistan in April 2023.
New Zealand won the opening match, while Pakistan responded strongly in the middle of the series.
The fifth T20I ended with New Zealand winning by six wickets, while the overall series finished 2-2 with one no-result.
The fourth T20I was tied at the end of the regulation innings before Pakistan won the Super Over, adding another dramatic chapter to the rivalry.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2023 Cricket World Cup
Pakistan and New Zealand met in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Bengaluru.
New Zealand scored a massive 401/6, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a century and Kane Williamson contributing a major innings.
Pakistan then produced one of the most memorable World Cup chases of the tournament.
Fakhar Zaman smashed 126 from 81 balls, while Babar Azam contributed 66.
Pakistan reached 200/1 in 25.3 overs when rain interrupted the match. Pakistan were declared winners by 21 runs under the DLS method.
The victory was extremely important for Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2024 T20I Series
New Zealand returned to Pakistan in April 2024 for a five-match T20I series.
The series ended 2-2, with one match abandoned.
The two sides traded victories throughout the series, demonstrating the close nature of their T20I rivalry.
Pakistan’s home advantage was challenged by a New Zealand side missing several first-choice players because of other international commitments, but the matches remained competitive.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2024 T20 World Cup
Pakistan and New Zealand did not meet during the group stage of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Their previous major T20 World Cup meeting remained the 2022 semi-final, where Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2025 ODI Tri-Series
The rivalry became particularly important again in February 2025.
Pakistan hosted a tri-nation ODI series involving Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy.
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match at Lahore. New Zealand scored 330/6, while Pakistan were dismissed for 252.
The teams then met in the final at Karachi.
New Zealand scored 243/5 and chased down Pakistan’s 242, winning by five wickets. Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell were among New Zealand’s important contributors.
The two results gave New Zealand considerable momentum going into the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2025 Champions Trophy
The teams met again in the opening match of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi.
New Zealand scored 320/5 from their 50 overs, while Pakistan were bowled out for 260.
New Zealand therefore won by 60 runs. The result gave New Zealand an early advantage in the tournament.
New Zealand’s 320/5 was built around strong contributions from their top and middle order, while Pakistan struggled to maintain the required run rate during the chase.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2025 T20I Series
Pakistan then toured New Zealand in March 2025 for a five-match T20I series.
New Zealand won the series 4-1.
The series included several decisive victories for New Zealand.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | Mar 16, 2025 | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | Mar 18, 2025 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | Mar 21, 2025 | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
| 4th T20I | Mar 23, 2025 | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
| 5th T20I | Mar 26, 2025 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
The third T20I was Pakistan’s only victory. Pakistan scored 207/1 and chased New Zealand’s 204 in only 16 overs. The other four matches were won by New Zealand.
The fourth match was particularly one-sided, with New Zealand scoring 220/6 and Pakistan being dismissed for 105.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2025 ODI Series
The teams then played a three-match ODI series in New Zealand.
New Zealand won all three matches.
| ODI | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Mar 29, 2025 | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| 2nd ODI | Apr 2, 2025 | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| 3rd ODI | Apr 5, 2025 | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
New Zealand therefore completed a 3-0 ODI series sweep. The series represented another important period of dominance for New Zealand in white-ball cricket.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline: 2026 T20 World Cup
The latest completed entry in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pakistan and New Zealand met in the Super Eights in Colombo on February 21, 2026.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat, but persistent rain prevented play from beginning. The match was officially recorded as a no-result after the toss, with no ball bowled.
This match became the 50th T20I between the two sides. The overall T20I record therefore stood at Pakistan 24 wins, New Zealand 23 wins and three no-results.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Complete Recent Timeline
| Date | Format | Tournament/Series | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2025 | ODI | Champions Trophy | New Zealand won by 60 runs |
| Mar 16, 2025 | T20I | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| Mar 18, 2025 | T20I | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| Mar 21, 2025 | T20I | Pakistan tour of NZ | Pakistan won by 9 wickets |
| Mar 23, 2025 | T20I | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 115 runs |
| Mar 26, 2025 | T20I | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Mar 29, 2025 | ODI | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| Apr 2, 2025 | ODI | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| Apr 5, 2025 | ODI | Pakistan tour of NZ | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
| Feb 21, 2026 | T20I | T20 World Cup Super Eight | No result |
The 2025 white-ball period was particularly successful for New Zealand, who won the Champions Trophy meeting, the five-match T20I series 4-1 and the three-match ODI series 3-0.
Pakistan Vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Records
The overall international record remains competitive.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 62 | 25 | 14 | 23 draws |
| ODIs | 122 | 61 | 57 | 1 tie, 3 NR |
| T20Is | 50 | 24 | 23 | 3 NR |
| Total | 234 | 110 | 94 | 26 other results |
The Test record provides Pakistan with its largest historical advantage, while the limited-overs records are considerably closer.
Major Records in Pakistan Vs New Zealand Matches
Most Test wins: Pakistan lead New Zealand 25-14 in 62 Tests.
Most ODI wins: Pakistan lead 61-57 after 122 ODIs.
Closest T20I rivalry: Pakistan lead the T20I record only 24-23 after 50 matches, with three no-results.
Highest New Zealand Test total: New Zealand scored 690 against Pakistan at Sharjah in 2014.
Highest Pakistan Test total: Pakistan scored 561 against New Zealand at Lahore in 1955.
Highest New Zealand T20I total against Pakistan: New Zealand scored 226/8 at Eden Park in January 2024.
Memorable World Cup chase: Pakistan chased a revised target against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup after New Zealand scored 401/6.
Key Players in the Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline
Babar Azam
Babar Azam has been one of Pakistan’s most important modern batters against New Zealand. His controlled batting has featured prominently in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar produced one of the most memorable innings in the rivalry during the 2023 World Cup, scoring 126 from 81 balls in Pakistan’s rain-affected chase against New Zealand.
Kane Williamson
Williamson has been one of New Zealand’s leading performers against Pakistan across formats. His technique and ability to build long innings have been particularly valuable in Test and ODI cricket.
Daryl Mitchell
Mitchell has emerged as an important all-format player for New Zealand. His batting and all-round ability have contributed to several recent victories over Pakistan.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Shaheen’s left-arm pace has been a major component of Pakistan’s white-ball attack in recent years and has frequently been used to challenge New Zealand’s top order.
Shadab Khan
Shadab has played an important role in Pakistan’s limited-overs teams, particularly through his leg-spin and lower-order batting.
Memorable Matches in the Pakistan Vs New Zealand Timeline
1955 first Test: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by an innings and one run in Karachi, beginning the international rivalry.
2007 first T20I: Pakistan and New Zealand met in the inaugural World Twenty20, beginning their long T20I rivalry.
2022 T20 World Cup semi-final: Pakistan defeated New Zealand by seven wickets to reach the final.
2023 World Cup: Pakistan chased a revised target after New Zealand scored 401/6, with Fakhar Zaman producing a remarkable century.
2025 Champions Trophy: New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match.
2025 T20I series: New Zealand won 4-1 in New Zealand, including a 115-run victory in the fourth match.
2026 T20 World Cup: The Super Eight meeting was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Pakistan and New Zealand first play each other?
Pakistan and New Zealand first played each other in Test cricket in October 1955 in Karachi. Pakistan won the inaugural Test by an innings and one run.
Who has won more Tests between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan have won 25 of the 62 Tests between the teams, while New Zealand have won 14. Twenty-three Tests have ended in draws.
Who has won more ODIs between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan lead the ODI head-to-head record 61-57 after 122 matches. There has also been one tie and three no-results.
Who has won more T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan have won 24 T20Is, while New Zealand have won 23. Three matches have ended without a result.
Who won the 2025 Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series?
New Zealand won the five-match 2025 T20I series 4-1.
Who won the 2025 Pakistan vs New Zealand ODI series?
New Zealand won the three-match 2025 ODI series 3-0.
Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and New Zealand?
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs in the opening match of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Karachi.
What happened in the Pakistan vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match in 2026?
The Super Eight match on February 21, 2026, in Colombo was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat.
What is the overall Pakistan vs New Zealand international record?
Across Tests, ODIs and T20Is through the latest completed meetings, Pakistan have the stronger overall record, particularly in Tests. The limited-overs contests are considerably closer, with the T20I record standing at 24-23 in Pakistan’s favour.
Conclusion
The Pakistan National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline covers more than seven decades of international cricket. It began with Pakistan’s dominant victory in the first Test in Karachi in 1955 and developed through the introduction of ODI and T20I cricket.
Pakistan have historically dominated the Test record, leading New Zealand 25-14 with 23 draws. Their ODI record is also slightly in Pakistan’s favour at 61-57, while the T20I rivalry is almost perfectly balanced at 24-23 with three no-results.
Recent years have added some particularly memorable chapters. Pakistan produced a famous World Cup chase against New Zealand in 2023, while New Zealand responded strongly in 2025 by winning the Champions Trophy meeting, the five-match T20I series 4-1 and the three-match ODI series 3-0.
The latest meeting came at the 2026 T20 World Cup, where rain prevented a single delivery from being bowled.
With two proud cricketing nations continuing to produce world-class batters, fast bowlers, spinners and all-rounders, the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline remains one of the most interesting long-running rivalries in international cricket.
