Cricket is more than just a game in many parts of the world—it’s a passion that unites fans across borders, generations, and cultures. Few rivalries capture this spirit as vividly as the contests between the New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard. Both teams bring unique strengths to the field: New Zealand’s disciplined approach and teamwork clash with Pakistan’s flair and unpredictability, creating matches that are thrilling and unforgettable. In this article, we’ll dive into their recent encounters, focusing on detailed scorecards from key matches in 2025, breaking down the performances, and sharing the excitement of these cricketing battles in a way that’s easy for everyone to enjoy.
A New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Steeped in History
The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry dates back to the 1950s, with their first One Day International (ODI) meeting in 1973 during the Prudential World Cup. Over the decades, they’ve faced off in 122 ODIs, with Pakistan holding a slight edge, winning 61 matches to New Zealand’s 57, alongside three no-results and one tie. Their encounters are known for being competitive, often decided by fine margins, whether in the intense atmosphere of a World Cup or a bilateral series. In 2025, this rivalry has been particularly exciting, with several high-stakes matches showcasing both teams’ talents.
Let’s take a closer look at three significant matches from 2025: the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series Final on February 14, the ICC Champions Trophy opener on February 19, and the third ODI of a bilateral series on April 6. We’ll break down the scorecards, highlight key performances, and explain what made these games special.
Match 1: Pakistan ODI Tri-Series Final, February 14, 2025, Karachi
The National Stadium in Karachi was buzzing with anticipation as New Zealand and Pakistan faced off in the final of the Pakistan ODI Tri-Series. Pakistan, batting first after winning the toss, struggled on a tricky, two-paced pitch. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke, set the tone early.
Pakistan Innings
Pakistan’s batting lineup faced challenges from the start. Openers Fakhar Zaman and Saud Shakeel fell early, with Zaman dismissed for 16 and Shakeel for a low score. Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s biggest stars, couldn’t convert his start, falling for a modest total. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha tried to stabilize the innings, but New Zealand’s spinners, Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, kept the pressure on. A late cameo from Khushdil Shah, who scored a gritty fifty, helped Pakistan reach 242 in 49.3 overs. O’Rourke was the star with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 43 runs, while Santner and Bracewell chipped in with two wickets each.
New Zealand Innings
Chasing 243, New Zealand’s batting was tested by Pakistan’s fiery pace attack, led by Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. However, Tom Latham’s steady 29 and a crucial 50-run partnership with Daryl Mitchell turned the tide. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, New Zealand’s depth shone through. Glenn Phillips played a handy knock towards the end, guiding them to 243/5 in 45.2 overs, winning by 5 wickets with overs to spare. O’Rourke earned the Player of the Match award for his brilliant bowling.
This match showed New Zealand’s ability to stay calm under pressure, while Pakistan fought hard but couldn’t capitalize on key moments. The victory gave New Zealand momentum heading into the Champions Trophy.
Match 2: ICC Champions Trophy, 1st Match, Group A, February 19, 2025, Karachi
Just days after the Tri-Series final, the two teams met again in Karachi for the ICC Champions Trophy opener. This was a high-stakes game, with Pakistan as defending champions and New Zealand looking to continue their recent dominance over them.
New Zealand Innings
New Zealand batted first and posted a formidable 320/5 in 50 overs. Will Young led the charge with a stylish 107, while Tom Latham played a match-defining unbeaten 118. Glenn Phillips provided the fireworks with a 39-ball 61, ensuring a strong finish. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, struggled to contain the Kiwis, especially in the death overs, where New Zealand piled on runs.
Pakistan Innings
Chasing 321, Pakistan faced early setbacks. Fakhar Zaman’s injury meant he couldn’t bat, forcing Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel to open. Both struggled against New Zealand’s swing bowling, with Shakeel dismissed early. Babar scored a patient 50 off 81 balls, and Khushdil Shah’s late 50 added respectability, but Pakistan could only manage 260 in 47.2 overs, falling 60 runs short. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner with three wickets each, were relentless, exploiting the pitch’s turn and bounce.
This win marked New Zealand’s fourth straight victory over Pakistan in 2025, highlighting their tactical edge and depth, even without key players like Rachin Ravindra. Pakistan’s lack of intent in the middle overs and their struggles in the death overs with the ball were costly.
Match 3: 3rd ODI, April 6, 2025, Mount Maunganui
The third ODI of a bilateral series in New Zealand was a rain-affected, 42-over-per-side affair at the Bay Oval. New Zealand, already leading 2-0, aimed for a clean sweep, while Pakistan hoped to salvage pride.
New Zealand Innings
New Zealand posted 264/8, thanks to half-centuries from opener Rhys Mariu and captain Michael Bracewell. The middle order chipped in, but Pakistan’s Akif Javed impressed with a four-wicket haul. Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf also bowled tightly, but New Zealand’s ability to score in the death overs kept them ahead.
Pakistan Innings
Pakistan’s chase started well with Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam, but Babar’s dismissal after a half-century triggered a collapse. Despite contributions from Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah, Pakistan were bowled out for 221 in 40 overs, losing by 43 runs. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Jacob Duffy and William O’Rourke, capitalized on the extra bounce of the Bay Oval pitch.
This match sealed a 3-0 series whitewash for New Zealand, underlining their dominance at home. Pakistan’s batting frailties and inability to adapt to conditions were evident, though their bowlers showed promise.
Full New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Table
Below is a detailed scorecard table for the three matches discussed, capturing key performances.
|
Match |
Date |
Venue |
Teams |
Innings |
Score |
Key Performers |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pakistan ODI Tri-Series Final |
Feb 14, 2025 |
National Stadium, Karachi |
Pakistan |
242/10 (49.3 overs) |
Khushdil Shah (50), Will O’Rourke (4/43), Mitchell Santner (2 wickets) |
New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
|
|
New Zealand |
243/5 (45.2 overs) |
Tom Latham (29), Daryl Mitchell (19), Glenn Phillips |
|||||
|
ICC Champions Trophy, 1st Match |
Feb 19, 2025 |
National Stadium, Karachi |
New Zealand |
320/5 (50 overs) |
Will Young (107), Tom Latham (118*), Glenn Phillips (61), Will O’Rourke (3 wickets) |
New Zealand won by 60 runs |
|
|
Pakistan |
260/10 (47.2 overs) |
Babar Azam (50), Khushdil Shah (50), Mitchell Santner (3 wickets) |
|||||
|
3rd ODI, Bilateral Series |
Apr 6, 2025 |
Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui |
New Zealand |
264/8 (42 overs) |
Rhys Mariu (50), Michael Bracewell (50), Akif Javed (4 wickets) |
New Zealand won by 43 runs |
|
|
Pakistan |
221/10 (40 overs) |
Babar Azam (50), Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Jacob Duffy |
Key Takeaways from the Matches
New Zealand’s Strengths
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Balanced Attack: New Zealand’s mix of pace and spin has been a game-changer. Will O’Rourke’s express pace and Mitchell Santner’s crafty spin have consistently troubled Pakistan’s batsmen.
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Batting Depth: Players like Tom Latham, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips have delivered under pressure, with contributions from the middle and lower order.
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Adaptability: Whether on the spin-friendly pitches of Karachi or the bouncy Bay Oval, New Zealand adjusted their tactics beautifully.
Pakistan’s Challenges
-
Batting Inconsistency: Despite Babar Azam’s class and Fakhar Zaman’s aggression, Pakistan’s batting has lacked intent, especially in the middle overs.
-
Death Over Woes: Pakistan’s bowlers have struggled to contain runs in the final overs, a recurring issue in all three matches.
-
Injuries: Fakhar Zaman’s injury in the Champions Trophy match hurt Pakistan’s chances, highlighting their reliance on key players.
Why This New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Matters
The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry is special because it’s not just about cricket—it’s about contrasting styles. New Zealand’s calm, calculated approach meets Pakistan’s raw energy and flair, creating matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. For young fans, it’s a chance to see stars like Babar Azam and Tom Latham in action. For older fans, it’s a reminder of classic battles, like Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup win or New Zealand’s 2000 Champions Trophy triumph.
These matches also highlight the spirit of cricket. In Karachi, the crowd’s passion and the players’ respect for each other shone through. In Mount Maunganui, despite Pakistan’s loss, their fight until the last ball showed their heart. This rivalry teaches us that cricket is about more than winning—it’s about effort, resilience, and the love of the game.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, both teams have areas to work on. New Zealand will aim to maintain their consistency, especially with the Champions Trophy progressing. Pakistan needs to address their batting approach and bowling discipline to turn close losses into wins. Their next meeting, potentially in the Champions Trophy knockout stages or future bilateral series, promises more excitement.
