Hey there, cricket fans! If you’ve ever watched a match between the Black Caps of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline, you know it’s always a thriller. These two teams have been battling it out on the field for decades, creating moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. From nail-biting finishes in Tests to explosive ODIs and high-octane T20s, their rivalry is one of the most exciting in international cricket. In this article, we’ll take a friendly walk through their timeline, highlighting key series, unforgettable matches, and what makes this matchup so special. Whether you’re a young fan just getting into the game or someone who’s followed it since the old days, I’ll keep things simple and fun. Let’s dive in!
The Early Days: Laying the Foundation (1950s–1970s)
Cricket between New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline kicked off way back in the 1950s, when both teams were still finding their feet in the Test arena. The first-ever Test series happened in 1955 during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand. It was a three-match affair, and Pakistan came out on top, winning 2-0. The inaugural Test in Karachi saw Pakistan dominate with an innings victory, thanks to strong bowling from the likes of Fazal Mahmood. New Zealand, making their mark as a Test nation, learned some tough lessons but showed promise.
Fast forward to 1965, and it was New Zealand’s turn to tour Pakistan. This series was a game-changer. Pakistan won the first Test in Rawalpindi by an innings and 64 runs, but the series ended 1-1 with a draw in the other two matches. Glenn Turner scored a gritty 103 in Lahore, hinting at New Zealand’s growing batting depth. These early encounters were all about endurance—long days on dusty pitches, with bowlers like Pakistan’s Hanif Mohammad leading the way.
By the 1970s, the rivalry heated up. In 1972-73, Pakistan toured New Zealand for a three-Test series, drawing 0-0 amid some tight battles. But the real excitement came with the birth of ODIs. Their first limited-overs clash was on February 11, 1973, in Christchurch—a 40-over match where New Zealand edged out Pakistan by 22 runs. Mark Burgess top-scored with 47, and Dale Hadlee grabbed four wickets. This game marked the start of something big: shorter formats that would soon define their head-to-head.
In those years, Pakistan often had the upper hand in Tests, winning 4 out of the first 10 matches, while New Zealand fought back with draws and the occasional upset. It was a time of learning for both—New Zealand building a reputation for solid all-rounders, and Pakistan unleashing flair with players like Mushtaq Mohammad.
The 1980s–1990s: Building Intensity and Iconic Moments
As cricket evolved, so did this rivalry. The 1980s saw more balanced series. In 1982, New Zealand hosted Pakistan for Tests and ODIs, splitting the results. Jeremy Coney’s leadership shone in a drawn Test series, but Pakistan stole the ODI show, winning 4-1. Javed Miandad’s aggressive batting became a nightmare for Kiwi bowlers.
The 1989 series in Pakistan was memorable for New Zealand’s first Test win there—a dramatic four-wicket victory in Faisalabad, chasing 206. Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones starred with the bat. But Pakistan bounced back, winning the next Test. Overall, the 1980s had Pakistan leading Tests 5-3, but New Zealand started closing the gap in ODIs, winning 8 of 15 matches.
Entering the 1990s, the rivalry exploded with World Cup drama. In the 1992 World Cup (hosted by Australia and New Zealand), they met in the semis. Pakistan, led by Imran Khan, chased down New Zealand’s 262 with six wickets in hand. Wasim Akram’s all-round heroics earned him Player of the Match—it was a heartbreak for the Kiwis on home soil. Pakistan went on to win the tournament, cementing their status as ODI kings.
Bilateral series got fiercer too. In 1990-91, New Zealand toured Pakistan and drew the Tests 0-0, but the ODIs were shared 1-1. Then, in 1994, Pakistan toured New Zealand, losing the Tests 2-1 but dominating ODIs 3-2. Saeed Anwar’s elegant 150* in an ODI remains a highlight.
By the late 1990s, New Zealand’s bowlers like Chris Cairns and Daniel Vettori started troubling Pakistan’s star-studded lineups. In the 1999 World Cup, New Zealand knocked out Pakistan in the quarterfinals by nine wickets—a sweet revenge. Chris Harris’s fielding and bowling were key. Overall, in the 1990s, ODIs were neck-and-neck: Pakistan 12 wins, New Zealand 11.
This era showed the rivalry’s depth—Pakistan’s flair versus New Zealand’s grit. Fans loved the unpredictability!
The 2000s: World Cups, Thrillers, and Shifting Balances
The new millennium brought more global stages. In the 2003 World Cup, Pakistan edged New Zealand by one wicket in a group game—a classic chase led by Inzamam-ul-Haq. But New Zealand got revenge in the 2007 World Cup, winning by nine wickets in the Super Eight.
Test cricket saw ups and downs. The 2001-02 series in New Zealand was drawn 0-0, with Stephen Fleming’s team impressing. In 2003-04, Pakistan whitewashed New Zealand 3-0 at home, but the Kiwis hit back in 2009-10, winning 2-1 in Tests during Pakistan’s UAE exile.
ODIs became a battleground. The 2004 series in New Zealand saw Pakistan win 3-2, thanks to Inzamam’s centuries. But New Zealand dominated the 2009-10 ODIs 3-1. T20Is entered the scene in 2007 with the World T20 semi, where Pakistan won by six wickets—Shahid Afridi’s fireworks lit up Cape Town.
Key moments? The 2011 World Cup quarterfinal in Dhaka: New Zealand crushed Pakistan by 110 runs, with Martin Guptill’s 57 and Tim Southee’s 5-25. Pakistan, though, had the last laugh in the 2015 World Cup semi, winning by four wickets in a rain-affected thriller at Auckland. Brendon McCullum’s explosive 59 off 26 balls set a blazing tone, but Grant Elliott’s heroics nearly stole it for the Kiwis.
In the 2000s, Pakistan led Tests 6-4, but New Zealand edged ODIs 15-13 and T20s 3-4. The rivalry was now truly global, with both teams rising as white-ball powerhouses.
The 2010s: Modern Mastery and Heartbreaks
This decade was golden for New Zealand under McCullum and later Kane Williamson. In 2014, New Zealand toured UAE for a landmark 3-0 Test whitewash—their first series win against Pakistan in 49 years! Ross Taylor’s double century in the third Test (290) was epic. ODIs were shared 2-2.
The 2016 World T20 saw Pakistan beat New Zealand in the quarterfinals by 16 runs—Imad Wasim’s all-round show. But in bilateral series, New Zealand surged. The 2018 UAE Tests were split 2-1, with New Zealand’s thrilling four-run win in the first Test (Jamieson and Boult starring).
ODIs in 2018-19: New Zealand won 3-2 at home. World Cups continued the drama. In 2019, New Zealand beat Pakistan by 46 runs in the group stage—Williamson’s 79 anchored a 418 chase. Pakistan’s 2011-2020 ODI dominance waned, with New Zealand winning 10 of 15.
T20s were even: 8-8. A standout was the 2021 T20 World Cup: Pakistan won by five wickets in the semis. But New Zealand’s consistency shone—reaching finals and building depth.
By 2019, New Zealand overtook Pakistan in Test rankings temporarily, symbolizing their growth. The rivalry evolved into mutual respect, with both teams peaking at right times.
The 2020s: Recent Clashes, Records, and What’s Next
The 2020s have been action-packed, especially post-COVID. In 2022-23, New Zealand hosted a T20 series (won 2-1) and ODI series (drawn 1-1 after a super over tie). The 2023 ODI World Cup group game saw New Zealand win by 21 runs—Ferguson and Boult key.
2024-25 has been intense. In February 2025, a Tri-Nation Series in Pakistan ended with New Zealand winning the final by five wickets, chasing 250 with Latham and Mitchell fifties. The ICC Champions Trophy opener on February 19, 2025, in Karachi saw New Zealand crush Pakistan by 60 runs—Phillips’ knock and spin duo of Santner and Bracewell dominated.
Then, Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March-April 2025: T20Is started with New Zealand winning the first by nine wickets (Pakistan 91 all out). They took the series 3-1, with a 115-run thrashing in the fourth. ODIs followed: New Zealand swept 3-0, with Chapman and Mitchell starring in the first (73-run win).
As of September 2025, head-to-head stats reflect balance:
| Format | Total Matches | New Zealand Wins | Pakistan Wins | Draws/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 60 | 17 | 33 | 10 |
| ODIs | 122 | 57 | 61 | 4 |
| T20Is | 49 | 23 | 24 | 2 |
| Overall | 231 | 97 | 118 | 16 |
These numbers show Pakistan’s historical edge, but New Zealand’s recent form (winning 60% of last 20 matches across formats) signals a shift. Key performers? For NZ: Williamson (1,200+ ODI runs vs Pak), Southee (100+ Test wickets). For Pak: Babar Azam (800+ ODI runs), Afridi’s all-round magic.
Iconic Matches That Defined the New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry
Let’s relive some gems:
- 1992 World Cup Semi (Auckland, 1992): Pakistan’s chase of 262—Imran’s inspiration led to victory. A turning point for Pakistan’s golden era.
- 2011 World Cup Quarterfinal (Dhaka, 2011): NZ’s 110-run rout—Southee’s five-for stunned Pakistan’s batting.
- 2015 World Cup Semi (Auckland, 2015): Elliott’s last-ball six nearly won it for NZ, but Pakistan edged by four wickets. McCullum’s blitz (59 off 26) was electric.
- UAE Test Thriller (Abu Dhabi, 2018): NZ won by four runs—Boult’s 6-102 sealed a famous chase denial.
- Champions Trophy Opener (Karachi, 2025): NZ’s 60-run win—machine-like performance with Phillips’ fifty.
These matches showcase drama, skill, and sportsmanship.
Why This New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Endures: Friendship Off the Field
Beyond stats, it’s the human side. Players like Williamson and Babar share respect—Williamson once called Babar “a class act.” Tours build bonds, like the 2025 series where post-match handshakes highlighted unity. For fans, it’s passion: Pakistan’s fiery crowds vs NZ’s calm support.
Challenges? Security issues delayed tours, but 2025’s Pakistan-hosted games marked progress.
Looking Ahead: Future Fireworks
With the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup looming, expect more clashes. New Zealand’s depth (young guns like Young and Sears) vs Pakistan’s stars (Afridi, Rauf) promises excitement. Will Pakistan reclaim dominance, or will NZ’s consistency prevail? One thing’s sure: their timeline will keep growing with epic tales.
