Cricket is more than just a game for fans in New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline—it’s a passion that brings people together, sparking joy, rivalry, and unforgettable moments. The New Zealand National Cricket Team, known as the Black Caps, and the Pakistan National Cricket Team, often called the Men in Green, have shared a fascinating rivalry since their first encounters in the 1950s. This article takes you on a journey through their timeline, highlighting key matches, milestones, and the evolution of their competition. Whether you’re a young fan or someone who’s followed cricket for decades, this story is written in a simple, human tone to make it easy to enjoy.
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline and Head-to-Head Record
New Zealand and Pakistan have played 122 ODIs, with Pakistan leading 61–57, three no-results, and one tie. In Tests, Pakistan hold a 25–12 advantage over New Zealand, with 24 draws. In T20Is, Pakistan dominate with 22 wins to New Zealand’s 16. These stats show Pakistan’s historical edge, but New Zealand’s recent successes, especially in ODIs, suggest the gap is narrowing.
|
Format |
Matches Played |
New Zealand Wins |
Pakistan Wins |
Draws/No Result/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test |
61 | 12 | 25 | 24 |
|
ODI |
122 | 57 | 61 |
3 NR, 1 Tied |
|
T20I |
38 | 16 | 22 | 0 |
Early Days: The 1950s and 1960s
The rivalry kicked off in the 1955–56 season when New Zealand toured Pakistan for a three-match Test series. Pakistan, having gained Test status in 1952, were eager to prove themselves, while New Zealand, who played their first Test in 1930, were still searching for consistent success. The series was a tough one for the Black Caps, with Pakistan winning 2–0. The matches were played in Karachi, Lahore, and Dhaka (then part of Pakistan), and Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Fazal Mahmood, dominated. This series set the tone for a competitive rivalry, with Pakistan holding the early upper hand.
In the 1960s, the teams met again, including a 1964–65 Test series in New Zealand. Pakistan again showed their strength, drawing the series 0–0 but outplaying the hosts in several moments. New Zealand struggled to match Pakistan’s spin bowling, a hallmark of their early teams. However, these early encounters helped New Zealand grow, as players like John Reid gained valuable experience against top competition.
The 1970s: A New Era
The 1970s saw cricket evolve with the introduction of One Day Internationals (ODIs). New Zealand and Pakistan played their first ODI in Christchurch during the 1972–73 season. Pakistan won by 22 runs, showcasing their flair in the shorter format. This match was a milestone, as it marked the beginning of their limited-overs rivalry, which would produce some thrilling contests in the years to come.
In Test cricket, the 1976–77 series in Pakistan was memorable. New Zealand managed a draw in the three-match series (1–1), a significant achievement given Pakistan’s dominance at home. The Black Caps’ resilience, led by players like Glenn Turner, showed they were no longer pushovers. Pakistan’s Abdul Qadir, a young leg-spinner, began to make his mark, hinting at the spin wizardry that would trouble batsmen for years.
The 1980s: Pakistan’s Golden Age
The 1980s were a golden era for Pakistan, with stars like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram emerging. New Zealand, under Richard Hadlee’s leadership, also grew stronger, making their clashes more competitive. The 1984–85 Test series in New Zealand was a highlight. Pakistan won 2–0, with Wasim Akram’s pace and Miandad’s batting proving too much for the hosts. However, New Zealand’s fightback in the third Test, where they nearly chased a tough target, showed their grit.
In ODIs, the 1987 Cricket World Cup semi-final in Lahore was a blockbuster. Pakistan, hosting the tournament, were favorites, but New Zealand posted a challenging 262, thanks to Martin Crowe’s classy 91. Pakistan’s chase faltered, and New Zealand won by 43 runs, knocking the hosts out. This upset remains one of the Black Caps’ finest moments against Pakistan.
The 1990s: World Cup Drama and Test Battles
The 1990s brought some of the most iconic moments in this rivalry, especially during the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Pakistan, led by Imran Khan, faced New Zealand in the semi-final in Auckland. New Zealand batted first, scoring 262, with Martin Crowe again starring. Pakistan’s chase looked shaky, but a young Inzamam-ul-Haq’s explosive 60 off 37 balls turned the game. Pakistan won by 4 wickets, going on to lift the World Cup. This match is etched in cricket history as Inzamam’s coming-of-age moment.
In Tests, the 1996–97 series in Pakistan was intense. New Zealand, led by Stephen Fleming, pulled off a rare 1–0 series win, their first Test series victory in Pakistan. Simon Doull’s bowling and Chris Cairns’ all-round heroics were key. Pakistan bounced back in the ODI series, winning 3–2, showing their knack for thriving in shorter formats.
The 2000s: New Zealand’s Rise and Pakistan’s Resilience
The 2000s saw New Zealand establish themselves as a consistent force, while Pakistan remained unpredictable yet dangerous. The 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy) in Kenya was a landmark. New Zealand beat Pakistan by 4 wickets in the semi-final, chasing 255 thanks to Roger Twose’s 87. The Black Caps went on to win the tournament, their first major ICC trophy, cementing their growing reputation.
In 2009, the teams clashed in the UAE (Pakistan’s temporary home due to security concerns). New Zealand won a thrilling Test series 1–0, with Daniel Vettori’s leadership and Shane Bond’s pace proving decisive. The ODI series was drawn 2–2, with Umar Akmal’s aggressive batting for Pakistan stealing the show. These matches highlighted both teams’ ability to adapt to neutral venues.
The 2010s: Modern Rivalry Takes Shape
The 2010s saw the rivalry intensify, with both teams producing world-class players. In 2011, New Zealand hosted Pakistan for a Test series, winning 1–0. Kane Williamson, a young star, scored his maiden Test century, signaling his arrival. Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq, a calm leader, kept his team competitive, but New Zealand’s bowlers edged them out.
The 2015 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand was another chapter. The Black Caps, co-hosts, beat Pakistan by 7 wickets in their group-stage clash, with Tim Southee’s fiery 7/33 dismantling Pakistan’s batting. New Zealand reached the final, while Pakistan exited in the quarter-finals, but the match showed the Black Caps’ home dominance.
In 2018, New Zealand toured the UAE for a historic Test series against Pakistan. The Black Caps won 2–1, their first away Test series win against Pakistan in 49 years. Kane Williamson’s century in Abu Dhabi and BJ Watling’s gritty batting were pivotal. Pakistan, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, fought hard but couldn’t counter New Zealand’s resilience.
The 2020s: Recent Clashes and Champions Trophy
The 2020s have seen the rivalry reach new heights, with both teams showcasing modern cricket’s aggression and skill. In 2023, New Zealand toured Pakistan for a five-match ODI series, which Pakistan won 4–1. Babar Azam’s consistency and Fakhar Zaman’s explosive centuries overwhelmed the Black Caps, though Mark Chapman’s maiden T20I ton for New Zealand was a highlight.
In February 2025, the teams met in the ICC Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. New Zealand posted 320/5, with centuries from Tom Latham (118*) and Will Young (107), plus Glenn Phillips’ quickfire 61. Pakistan, chasing 321, managed 260, with Babar Azam (50) and Khushdil Shah (50) fighting but falling short. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner (3 wickets each), sealed a 60-run win. This match marked New Zealand’s fourth straight ODI victory in Pakistan, showing their growing dominance in recent encounters.
Later in 2025, New Zealand hosted Pakistan for a three-match ODI series. The Black Caps swept the series 3–0, with standout performances from Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, and Will O’Rourke. Pakistan struggled with batting collapses, despite efforts from Babar Azam and Faheem Ashraf. The series, played in Napier, Hamilton, and Mount Maunganui, highlighted New Zealand’s depth, even without key players like Devon Conway and Mitchell Santner.
Memorable New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Timeline and Moments
For New Zealand, players like Martin Crowe, Kane Williamson, and Richard Hadlee have left their mark against Pakistan. Crowe’s elegance in the 1987 and 1992 World Cups, Williamson’s leadership in the 2018 UAE series, and Hadlee’s all-round brilliance in the 1980s stand out. Recent stars like Tom Latham and Will O’Rourke continue this legacy.
Pakistan’s icons include Imran Khan, whose 1992 World Cup heroics inspired a generation, and Javed Miandad, known for his clutch performances. Modern greats like Babar Azam, with his silky cover drives, and Shaheen Afridi, with his fiery pace, keep Pakistan dangerous. Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 1992 semi-final knock remains a fan favorite.
One unforgettable moment was the 2018 Abu Dhabi Test, where New Zealand chased 176 on a turning pitch to win by 4 runs, thanks to Ajaz Patel’s five-wicket haul. For Pakistan fans, Misbah-ul-Haq’s fastest Test century (56 balls) against New Zealand in 2014 is a cherished memory.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
The New Zealand-Pakistan rivalry is special because it blends contrasting styles. New Zealand’s disciplined, team-first approach meets Pakistan’s flair and unpredictability. The Black Caps thrive on planning and consistency, while Pakistan can turn games with individual brilliance. Off the field, the teams share mutual respect, with players often praising each other’s skills.
Cultural exchanges, like New Zealand playing as “Aotearoa” in 2015 to celebrate Māori heritage, and Pakistan hosting the Black Caps in 2023 after years of security concerns, add depth to their bond. Fans from both nations bring color to matches, whether in Karachi’s lively stadiums or Mount Maunganui’s scenic grounds.
Looking Ahead
As of June 2025, New Zealand hold the momentum in ODIs, but Pakistan’s history of bouncing back makes them a constant threat. With young talents like Will O’Rourke for New Zealand and Saim Ayub for Pakistan, the rivalry promises more thrilling chapters. Upcoming ICC events, like the 2027 World Cup, could see these teams clash again, adding to their storied timeline.
This rivalry isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about moments that make cricket magical. From Inzamam’s heroics in 1992 to Latham’s century in 2025, New Zealand and Pakistan have given fans plenty to cheer about. Whether you’re a kid dreaming of hitting a six or an adult reminiscing about classic matches, this timeline is a celebration of cricket’s joy.
