Cricket is more than a sport in the subcontinent; it’s a way of life. Among the numerous rivalries that have lit up the cricketing world, the clash between the pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline stands out for its longevity, unpredictability, and exciting battles across all formats. This rivalry, spanning over six decades, has been filled with thrilling moments, dramatic victories, heartbreaks, and unforgettable performances.
This article takes you through the whole Pakistan vs. New Zealand cricket matches timeline, i.e., test matches, One day Internationals (ODI) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20i), from their first-ever match in 1955 to the latest encounters held in the year 2025.
A Timeline of Legendary Matches: From Humble Beginnings to Global Showdowns
The first cricket match between Pakistan and New Zealand took place in the year 1955. Both the teams have played over 110 ODIs, 60 T20I and 60 Tests since then. Each era brought opinion, heroes, and drama. Let’s go through the complete historical timeline.
Early Years of the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (1955–1970s)
The journey of the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline began in 1955 when Pakistan toured New Zealand for a Test series. Pakistan dominated early encounters, leveraging their powerful spin attack and tactical superiority. By the 1970s, New Zealand began responding with stronger performances at home.
- 1955: 1st Test series in New Zealand—Pakistan 2-0.
- 1965: New Zealand toured Pakistan – Again Pakistan emerged victorious.
- 1973: New Zealand finally emerged victorious in a Test in New Zealand.
The first of these seasons has established the tone for a lasting rivalry. Pakistan, known for the bowling breaches, had stuff at hand for home conditions and New Zealand supplemented for seaming conditions for advantage.
Legends Emerge in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (1980s)
In the 1980s, the industry experienced an increase in competitiveness. Both countries nurtured legends in that era—Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Abdul Qadir of Pakistan and Richard Hadlee and John Wright of New Zealand.
- 1984-85: The ODI series in New Zealand reached an exact finish of 3-2 for the Pakistan side.
- 1989 – Pakistan had toured New Zealand and the test series ended with a draw.
ODIs were found more in this decade as well, and rivalry got more priority since both the teams started to play competitive cricket.
World Cup Highlights in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (1990s)
The 1990s saw the rivalry intensify, particularly on the world stage. Two significant World Cup matches turned the spotlight on Pakistan vs New Zealand.
- 1992 ICC Cricket World Cup (Group Stage): Pakistan handed New Zealand their only defeat in the group stage. Eventually, Pakistan went on to win the tournament.
- 1994: Pakistan whitewashed New Zealand in a home Test series.
- 1996-99: Bilateral series continued with mixed results.
- 1999 ICC World Cup Semi-Final: Pakistan defeated New Zealand and entered the final.
2000s: Changing Dynamics and Balanced Encounters
The 2000s were more evenly matched. New Zealand began to find their feet with the talent of Stephen Fleming, Shane Bond, and Daniel Vettori, even against the dependence of Pakistan on the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf.
- 2001: Pakistan had won the Test and then the ODI series in New Zealand.
- 2004-05: New Zealand visited Pakistan and the ODI series resulted in a tie.
- 2009 Champions Trophy: New Zealand beat Pakistan in the semi-final in South Africa.
The games at this time are on no account one-sided, which means both teams can fairly and squarely knock each other out at all times.
2010s: T20 Evolution and Frequent Clashes
In the 2010s, the focus of the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline shifted heavily towards T20Is. Both teams embraced this fast-paced format, and their encounters grew more unpredictable and exciting.
- 2010: Pakistan and New Zealand played a Test and ODI series in New Zealand.
- 2015 World Cup : Though in this edition they didn’t play, they both made deep runs, respectively.
- 2016–2018: T20I dominance shifted hands frequently.
In the 2017 Champions Trophy, Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the group stage and later won the trophy.
2020s to Present: A Modern-Day Rivalry with High Stakes
The 2020s brought fresh energy, dramatic finishes, and big-match pressure. Younger stars like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Devon Conway, Babar Azam, and Glenn Phillips emerged as key performers.
- 2021 T20 World Cup: Pakistan beat New Zealand in the group stage in a thrilling encounter.
- 2022-2023: New Zealand toured Pakistan for both white-ball and red-ball series—most series ended evenly contested.
- 2023 ODI World Cup: In a crucial group match, Pakistan defeated New Zealand in a rain-affected thriller, keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
- 2024-25: Several ODI and T20I series took place in New Zealand and Pakistan, marked by competitive scores, close chases, and standout centuries.
Head-to-Head Table: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
Here’s a table summarizing key moments in the Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline across decades:
| Year | Format | Series/Tournament | Venue | Result | Winner |
| 1955 | Test | Bilateral Series | NZ | 2-0 | Pakistan |
| 1992 | ODI | ICC World Cup | NZ | Group Match | Pakistan |
| 1994 | Test | Bilateral Series | PAK | 3-0 | Pakistan |
| 1999 | ODI | ICC World Cup SF | ENG | Knockout | Pakistan |
| 2009 | ODI | Champions Trophy | SA | Semi-Final | New Zealand |
| 2011 | ODI | ICC World Cup | IND | Group Match | New Zealand |
| 2017 | ODI | Champions Trophy | ENG | Group Match | Pakistan |
| 2021 | T20I | ICC T20 World Cup | UAE | Group Match | Pakistan |
| 2023 | ODI | ICC World Cup | IND | Group Match | Pakistan (DLS) |
| 2024 | T20I/ODI | Bilateral Series | PAK | Mixed Results | Shared |
| 2025 | T20I | T20I Series | NZ | 2-2 Draw | Even |
Legendary Players in This Rivalry
Pakistan Cricket Icons:
- Imran Khan – Leader and World Cup hero.
- Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis – Masters of swing bowling.
- Shoaib Akhtar – The Rawalpindi Express terrorized Kiwi batsmen.
- Babar Azam – Modern-day superstar and captain.
New Zealand Greats:
- Richard Hadlee – One of the finest all-rounders.
- Stephen Fleming – Calm and calculated strategist.
- Brendon McCullum – Revolutionized NZ’s aggression.
- Kane Williamson – Technically sound and dependable.
What Sets This Rivalry Apart?
- Unpredictability: Both teams are known for pulling off unexpected wins.
- Neutral Grounds: The UAE added a twist with conditions favoring Pakistan’s spin attack.
- ICC Showdowns: The two sides have met in critical knockout and group matches that shaped tournament outcomes.
- Respectful Rivalry: Despite high stakes, this rivalry is known for sportsmanship and mutual admiration.
Future of the Pakistan vs New Zealand Rivalry
With both teams continuing to invest in youth development and analytics, the next few years promise even more exciting cricket. Scheduled bilateral series and ICC tournaments will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Pakistan’s bowling strength, combined with New Zealand’s tactical acumen, ensures that no game is ever one-sided. Expect more super overs, close finishes, and brilliant individual performances as the rivalry grows.
Conclusion
The Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline is rich with history, emotion, and drama. From the dusty pitches of the 1950s to the floodlit stadiums of today, this rivalry has captivated millions. Whether it’s a thrilling World Cup clash or a Test battle in Wellington, these two teams have given cricket fans countless memories.
As the cricketing world evolves, this rivalry continues to stand the test of time. It’s a true testament to the beauty of the game—where passion, skill, and history collide.
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