The National Cricket Team of Pakistan and New Zealand is one of the most protracted and interesting international matches in cricket. The two teams have been very competitive since their first encounter in 1955 in all the formats of the game through Test matches one day international (ODIs) and twenty two overs (T20Is). This schedule shows the most important events, games and myths that characterize the saga of the Pakistan vs New Zealand crusades.
First Encounter and Early Years (1955-1970s)
The competition started in January 1955 when Pakistan paid the first visit to New Zealand to contest in the first-ever test series between the two nations. New Zealand won the innings easily though Pakistan was capable of more things and their rivalry would become a reality in the future.
During the 1960s and 1970s Pakistan and New Zealand had the occasional series, the emerging fast bowling attack of Pakistan and the tactical discipline of New Zealand becoming their distinguishing features. These were the years of the establishment of the areas of fierce and closely contested battles of cricket.
Competitive Matches and Rise of Limited Overs Cricket (1980s-1990s)
With the development of One Day International cricket in the 1980s Pakistan and New Zealand were often having exciting and high stakes contests. Some of the memorable games also played during 1992 Cricket world cup as Pakistan under the leadership of Imran Khan displayed their strength and won the title and New Zealand was also performing well and competing.
There were also individual performances in the 1990s whereby Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis of Pakistan and Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe of New Zealand put the rivalry on another level.
2000s World Cup Competitions and Test Series
The beginning of the 2000s was a period where Pakistan and New Zealand fought in bilateral series and ICC tournaments. The pace attack in Pakistan remained alive with such stars as Shoaib Akhtar where New Zealand spin and swings bowling led by Daniel Vettori was also threatening to the opponents.
The 2010-2016: Competitive Equilibrium between Formats
Test Matches
Pakistan and New Zealand have held more than 30 Test matches and both the teams have gained the important wins. It is interesting to note that the whitewash of the Pakistani team in the UAE in 2018 was a historic event as it demonstrated their superiority in spin-friendly situations in New Zealand.
One Day Internationals
Over 110 ODIs have been held and Pakistan is an almost winning country. The matches are typically competitive and it is interesting to watch the batting of such stars as Babar Azam (Pakistan) and Kane Williamson (New Zealand). The two teams are claimed to have tactical skills and adaptability in the limited overs cricket.
Twenty20 Internationals
Pakistan and New Zealand have played many games since T20 cricket began and through such games have entertained their fans with the fast pace of the game. Pakistan has been successful in 17 of 28 T20 matches with New Zealand and thus they are a little bit ahead in this format. Their experiences especially during ICC T20 World Cups have been stiff and high profile.
ICC Tournament Highlights
The Pakistan vs New Zealand battle has given some of the historical games in ICC tournaments:
T20 World Cup 2022 Final: Pakistan has claimed a close-call final against New Zealand in Christchurch which has demonstrated excellent bowling and all-round play.
Cricket World Cups: It is not uncommon to have encounters at the very sensitive knock out stages and matches are determined by a narrow margin and thrilling ends.
Famous Gamers That have contributed to the Competition
The competition has been made rich with great cricketers whose plays have become folklore of cricket:
Pakistan
Imran Khan was a cricketer with grace and motivational leadership. The deadly swing bowling of Wasim Akram shook several New Zealand batting line-ups. Babar Azam is the master batsman of this modern time.
New Zealand
The New Zealand cricketing spirit was characterized by Richard Hadlee which is perhaps one of the greatest all-rounders. The handsome batting ability and calm personality of Kane Williamson have excelled to the fore in the new games.
Head-to-Head Records
Format Number of Matches played Pakistan Wins New Zealand WinsDraws/Ties
Test 34 15 10 9
ODI 110+ 56 50 4
T20I 28 17 11 0
Overall statistics of the head to head are quite close and reflect the degree of power and competitiveness of this rivalry.
Why This Rivalry Matters
Pakistan vs New Zealand matches is a test of opposing cricketing philosophies where Pakistan adopted an aggressive pace attack compared with New Zealand which took the disciplined approach of strategy and tactical execution. These competitions yield quality cricket and unpredictable results and are popular amongst the fans all over the world.
Facing ahead: Future of Pakistan vs New Zealand Cricket
The two teams are in the process of cultivating young talent and this means that new encounters will remain thrilling and unpredictable. Bilateral series that are to come ICC events and T20 world cups are sure to bring more fierce battles and memorable scenes.