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The New Zealand national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team have shared a competitive international cricket rivalry for decades. Both sides have produced legendary players, memorable performances, and exciting matches across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Pakistan have historically enjoyed an advantage in the overall head-to-head record, particularly in Test cricket. However, New Zealand have remained highly competitive in limited-overs formats and have delivered impressive performances in recent bilateral series. Their encounters are known for fast bowling, tactical battles, powerful batting, and unpredictable finishes.
This article covers New Zealand vs Pakistan head-to-head statistics, format-wise records, recent results, important matches, leading performers, and frequently asked questions.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record
As of October 2026, the two teams have played 234 senior men’s international matches across all three formats. Pakistan have won 110 matches, while New Zealand have won 94. The remaining results include drawn Tests, a tied ODI, and matches ending without a result.
| Format | Matches | Pakistan Wins | New Zealand Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 62 | 25 | 14 | 23 draws |
| ODI | 122 | 61 | 57 | 1 tie, 3 no-results |
| T20I | 50 | 24 | 23 | 3 no-results |
| Overall | 234 | 110 | 94 | 30 draws, ties, or no-results |
Note: The overall total combines all three formats. The other-results column includes 23 drawn Tests, one tied ODI, and six matches without a result.
Pakistan’s historical advantage is clear, but the difference is not overwhelming in limited-overs cricket. New Zealand have repeatedly challenged Pakistan in ODIs and T20Is, making this rivalry particularly interesting for fans who follow international cricket statistics.
Test Match Statistics: New Zealand vs Pakistan
Pakistan have the stronger historical record in Test cricket. The teams have played 62 Tests, with Pakistan winning 25 and New Zealand winning 14. Another 23 matches ended in draws.
| Test Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 62 |
| Pakistan wins | 25 |
| New Zealand wins | 14 |
| Draws | 23 |
| First Test meeting | 1955 |
| Historical advantage | Pakistan |
Test cricket between these teams often features contrasting strengths. Pakistan have traditionally relied on skilful fast bowlers, reverse swing, and quality spin bowling. New Zealand have frequently benefited from disciplined seam bowling, patient batting, and conditions that support swing.
The high number of drawn matches reflects the long history of the rivalry, including contests played under conditions where pitches and weather made it difficult to force a result.
Pakistan’s lead does not mean New Zealand have lacked success. The Black Caps have produced important victories, particularly when their bowlers have maintained pressure and their batters have built substantial first-innings totals.
ODI Statistics: New Zealand vs Pakistan
ODI cricket has produced one of the closest parts of this rivalry. Across 122 matches, Pakistan have won 61 and New Zealand have won 57. One match was tied, and three ended without a result.
| ODI Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 122 |
| Pakistan wins | 61 |
| New Zealand wins | 57 |
| Ties | 1 |
| No-results | 3 |
| Latest completed ODI in the record | April 5, 2025 |
| Historical advantage | Pakistan |
The four-win difference between the teams highlights how competitive their ODI encounters have been over the years.
Pakistan have often relied on technically strong batters, explosive middle-order players, and varied bowling attacks. New Zealand have generally emphasised partnerships, smart use of resources, accurate bowling, and strong fielding.
World Cup matches have added further significance to this rivalry. Pakistan have produced important victories against New Zealand in major tournaments, while New Zealand have demonstrated their ability to compete consistently in bilateral series.
T20I Statistics: New Zealand vs Pakistan
T20 International cricket has brought another dimension to the rivalry. Pakistan have won 24 of the 50 recorded T20Is, while New Zealand have won 23. Three matches ended without a result.
| T20I Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 50 |
| Pakistan wins | 24 |
| New Zealand wins | 23 |
| No-results | 3 |
| Historical advantage | Pakistan by one win |
The T20I record is exceptionally close, with only one victory separating the teams. This makes the format particularly unpredictable.
Pakistan have traditionally benefited from fast bowlers capable of taking wickets at crucial moments, as well as batters who can accelerate rapidly. New Zealand have countered with aggressive top-order batting, flexible middle orders, and bowlers who vary their pace and lengths effectively.
The teams have also faced one another in major T20 tournaments, where a single partnership or a short spell of outstanding bowling can determine the result.
Recent New Zealand vs Pakistan Match Results
Their recent meetings have included major tournament fixtures and bilateral ODI series. The following results illustrate how the rivalry has developed in the modern era.
| Date | Format | Match or Tournament | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 14, 2025 | ODI | Tri-Nation Series final | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| February 19, 2025 | ODI | Champions Trophy | New Zealand won by 60 runs |
| March 29, 2025 | ODI | Bilateral series, first ODI | New Zealand won by 73 runs |
| April 2, 2025 | ODI | Bilateral series, second ODI | New Zealand won by 84 runs |
| April 5, 2025 | ODI | Bilateral series, third ODI | New Zealand won by 43 runs |
| February 21, 2026 | T20I | T20 World Cup | No result |
New Zealand’s run of ODI victories in 2025 demonstrated their ability to control matches through effective batting and disciplined bowling. Pakistan, meanwhile, have historically remained a dangerous opponent because of their ability to produce match-changing individual performances.
The February 2026 T20 World Cup meeting ended without a result, so neither team received a win from that fixture.
Memorable Matches Between New Zealand and Pakistan
The First ODI in 1973
The teams first met in ODI cricket on February 11, 1973, in Christchurch. New Zealand won the match by 22 runs in a 40-over contest.
This early meeting marked the beginning of a limited-overs rivalry that would grow significantly as ODI cricket became a major international format.
Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup Triumph
Pakistan and New Zealand met in the semifinal of the 1992 Cricket World Cup in Auckland. New Zealand had enjoyed an impressive tournament, but Pakistan produced a successful chase to reach the final.
Pakistan won by four wickets, with Inzamam-ul-Haq playing a decisive innings. Pakistan subsequently defeated England in the final to win their first men’s ODI World Cup title.
The semifinal remains one of the most important matches in the history of this rivalry because it helped launch Pakistan’s memorable World Cup-winning campaign.
The 1999 World Cup Semifinal
The sides met again in a Cricket World Cup semifinal in 1999, this time at Old Trafford in Manchester. Pakistan delivered a commanding performance, bowling New Zealand out for 241 before completing the chase comfortably.
Pakistan won by nine wickets and advanced to the final. Although they lost the final to Australia, their semifinal victory reinforced their strong record against New Zealand in World Cup knockout cricket.
New Zealand’s Strong ODI Series in 2025
New Zealand enjoyed a successful period against Pakistan in early 2025. They won the tri-nation tournament final by five wickets and then recorded a 3-0 clean sweep in the subsequent ODI series.
The three bilateral victories came by 73 runs, 84 runs, and 43 runs, respectively. These results demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to build competitive totals and defend them with disciplined bowling.
The performances also highlighted the importance of preparation and team balance in ODI cricket. New Zealand’s combination of batting depth and effective bowling proved difficult for Pakistan to overcome during the series.
Top Batters in New Zealand vs Pakistan Matches
Several internationally recognised batters have made significant contributions to this rivalry. Their performances across ODIs and T20Is illustrate the importance of consistency, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure.
| Player | Team | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | Consistent run-scoring and timing |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Technical skill and innings building |
| Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | Aggressive top-order batting |
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | Power hitting and fast starts |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | Middle-order experience and consistency |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Reliable batting and adaptability |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | Aggressive middle-order contributions |
Babar Azam and Kane Williamson are particularly well known for their ability to build innings and maintain control under pressure. Fakhar Zaman and Martin Guptill have brought a more aggressive approach, often looking to establish momentum early.
Individual statistics can vary depending on the format and cutoff date. Career totals should therefore be checked against a current score database when exact runs, averages, or strike rates are required.
Leading Bowlers in New Zealand vs Pakistan Matches
Bowling has played a major role in deciding matches between these teams. Both countries have produced fast bowlers capable of generating pace and movement, along with spinners who can control the middle overs.
| Player | Team | Notable Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | Swing bowling and T20 wicket-taking |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | New-ball swing and early breakthroughs |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Pakistan | Left-arm pace and attacking spells |
| Haris Rauf | Pakistan | Pace and death-over bowling |
| Ish Sodhi | New Zealand | Leg-spin and middle-over control |
| Shahid Afridi | Pakistan | Leg-spin and attacking variations |
| Matt Henry | New Zealand | Seam movement and accuracy |
The effectiveness of these bowlers depends on the conditions and format. Swing bowlers can be particularly influential with the new ball, while spinners often become important when pitches offer grip or when batters try to accelerate in the middle overs.
In T20 cricket, the ability to bowl accurately at the death can make the difference between defending a competitive total and losing a close match.
New Zealand vs Pakistan in ICC Tournaments
ICC tournaments have added several important chapters to this rivalry. Pakistan’s victories over New Zealand in the 1992 and 1999 World Cup semifinals remain especially memorable.
In more recent tournaments, both teams have demonstrated the ability to compete against leading international sides. New Zealand have often been praised for their consistency and tactical discipline, while Pakistan have remained dangerous because of their unpredictable but potentially explosive performances.
Important tournament matches can differ from bilateral encounters because teams face additional pressure around qualification, net run rate, and knockout progression. A single result may have a major impact on a team’s campaign.
For this reason, the head-to-head record alone cannot determine the likely outcome of a future match. Current form, injuries, venue conditions, and team selection all influence performance.
Key Differences Between the Two Teams
New Zealand and Pakistan have developed distinct approaches to international cricket, although both teams can adapt to different conditions.
- Batting approach: New Zealand often emphasise partnerships and calculated aggression, while Pakistan have frequently combined technically sound batting with explosive individual performances.
- Fast bowling: Both sides have produced high-quality pace attacks. Pakistan have a long tradition of fast-bowling talent, while New Zealand’s seamers often make effective use of swing and accuracy.
- Spin bowling: Pakistan have historically produced several influential spin bowlers, while New Zealand have used specialist spinners effectively in limited-overs cricket.
- Fielding and tactics: New Zealand are widely associated with disciplined team execution, whereas Pakistan’s performances can be shaped by moments of individual brilliance.
- Consistency: New Zealand have often performed strongly in bilateral ODI series, while Pakistan’s long history includes both dominant runs and unexpected defeats.
These are broad historical tendencies rather than fixed rules. Both teams have changed their strategies, player combinations, and coaching approaches over time.
What Do the Head-to-Head Stats Tell Us?
The numbers reveal three important aspects of the rivalry.
First, Pakistan’s overall lead comes from sustained success across several decades, particularly in Test cricket. Their 110 international wins place them ahead of New Zealand’s 94 victories in the combined record.
Second, the limited-overs formats are much closer. Pakistan lead the ODI record by four wins and the T20I record by only one. These small differences indicate that neither team has complete control over the rivalry in white-ball cricket.
Third, recent results show that historical records do not guarantee future success. New Zealand’s strong ODI performances in 2025 demonstrate how quickly a team can build momentum through effective planning and consistent execution.
When evaluating a future New Zealand vs Pakistan match, fans should consider the venue, recent form, likely playing XI, weather, and the specific format alongside the historical statistics.
Conclusion
The New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team stats reflect a rivalry built on competitive cricket, outstanding individual performances, and memorable ICC tournament encounters. Pakistan lead the overall record with 110 wins compared with New Zealand’s 94 across 234 senior men’s international matches.
Pakistan hold a stronger advantage in Test cricket, while the ODI and T20I records remain much closer. New Zealand’s recent ODI successes have added another layer to the contest, showing that the balance can shift depending on form and conditions.
With both teams continuing to produce talented batters and skilled bowlers, future meetings are likely to provide further opportunities for new records and memorable performances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has won more matches between New Zealand and Pakistan?
Pakistan lead the overall senior men’s international record, with 110 wins compared with New Zealand’s 94 across 234 Test, ODI, and T20I matches.
2. How many Test matches have New Zealand and Pakistan played?
The teams have played 62 Tests. Pakistan have won 25, New Zealand have won 14, and 23 matches have ended in draws.
3. What is the ODI head-to-head record between New Zealand and Pakistan?
Across 122 ODIs, Pakistan have won 61 matches and New Zealand have won 57. One match was tied, and three ended without a result.
4. What is the T20I head-to-head record between New Zealand and Pakistan?
The teams have played 50 T20Is. Pakistan have won 24, New Zealand have won 23, and three matches have ended without a result.
5. How did New Zealand perform against Pakistan in the 2025 ODI series?
New Zealand won the three-match bilateral ODI series 3-0, defeating Pakistan by 73 runs in the first ODI, 84 runs in the second, and 43 runs in the third.
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