Introduction
Few rivalries in international cricket carry the quiet intensity of the pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline. From dusty pitches in Karachi to the green outfields of Wellington, these two nations have locked horns for over seven decades, producing unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and record-shattering performances. What began as a modest three-Test series in 1955 has evolved into one of the most compelling contests in world cricket.
In this article, we walk you through the pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline in complete chronological detail. You will discover every major series, tournament clash, iconic innings, and turning point from 1955 all the way through the 2025–2026 season. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, this pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline guide gives you everything in one place — stats, stories, and context that no other article covers this thoroughly.
Grab a cup of chai (or a flat white), settle in, and let’s travel through cricket history together.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Cricket:
The story of Pakistan vs New Zealand cricket begins in the mid-1950s, just a few years after Pakistan gained Test status in 1952. New Zealand, who had been playing Tests since 1930, were the visitors for that inaugural series. At the time, both teams were still finding their feet on the world stage. Pakistan had the raw pace talent; New Zealand had the disciplined, gritty approach that would define them for decades.
Why does this rivalry matter? Unlike the louder, more commercialized contests such as India vs Pakistan or the Ashes, Pakistan vs New Zealand has always been a contest of contrasting cricketing philosophies. Pakistan brings flair, unpredictability, and explosive pace. New Zealand brings structure, patience, and tactical intelligence. Over 70 years, this contrast has produced some of cricket’s most dramatic finishes.
The rivalry also carries emotional weight. The 2021 security scare, when New Zealand abruptly pulled out of a tour in Rawalpindi, tested the bond between the two boards. The subsequent return of New Zealand to Pakistan in 2023 was celebrated as a triumph of cricket diplomacy. These off-field narratives make the Pakistan national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline far richer than mere scorecards.
Early Era (1955 – 1979): The Foundation Years
The first chapter of this rivalry was written in October 1955, when New Zealand toured Pakistan for a three-Test series. Pakistan, led by the legendary Abdul Hafeez Kardar, dominated. The first Test at Karachi saw Pakistan win by an innings, with Fazal Mahmood tearing through the New Zealand batting lineup. Pakistan clinched the series 2–0, announcing themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
New Zealand hosted Pakistan for the first time in 1964–65. The series was played on seaming pitches in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. New Zealand’s John Reid and Pakistan’s Saeed Ahmed traded big hundreds. The series ended 0–0, a reflection of two evenly matched sides still growing.
The 1969–70 tour of Pakistan by New Zealand saw the visitors struggle against Pakistan’s spin duo of Intikhab Alam and Asif Iqbal. Pakistan won the three-Test series 2–0.
In 1972–73, Pakistan toured New Zealand again. This series is remembered for Mushtaq Mohammad’s all-round brilliance. Pakistan won 1–0. The 1976–77 series in Pakistan saw Javed Miandad announce his arrival on the international stage at just 19 years old. Pakistan won the series 2–0.
The decade closed with Pakistan touring New Zealand in 1979–80, a series that ended 1–0 in Pakistan’s favour. The early era firmly established Pakistan’s dominance, particularly at home, where New Zealand rarely found answers against quality pace and spin.
Middle Era (1980 – 2003): Rivalry Deepens, ODI Cricket Arrives
The 1980s transformed the rivalry. The arrival of One Day International (ODI) cricket added a new dimension. The first ODI between the two sides took place in 1973, but it was in the 1980s that limited-overs encounters became regular and fiercely contested.
Imran Khan’s Pakistan side of the mid-1980s was a different beast. During the 1984–85 home series, Pakistan’s pace attack of Imran and Wasim Akram (who debuted in 1984) overwhelmed New Zealand. Pakistan won the Test series 2–0.
The 1988–89 tour of New Zealand produced a classic. New Zealand’s Martin Crowe scored a magnificent century, but Pakistan’s Shoaib Mohammad batted through an entire day to save a Test. The series was drawn 1–1.
In 1990–91, New Zealand toured Pakistan. The series was notable for Aaqib Javed’s devastating spell in an ODI where he took 7 wickets for 37 runs, a record at the time. Pakistan swept the ODI series.
The 1992 Cricket World Cup in Australia brought the two teams together in the group stage. Pakistan, en route to their historic World Cup triumph, faced New Zealand in a crucial match. Aamer Sohail and Inzamam-ul-Haq guided Pakistan to victory, a moment etched in cricket folklore.
The 1995–96 series in Pakistan saw Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis at their lethal best. Pakistan won convincingly. However, the 1996–97 tour of New Zealand was a turning point. New Zealand, inspired by Nathan Astle’s aggressive batting, won the Test series 1–0, one of their first series wins over Pakistan.
The early 2000s brought turbulence. The 2002 New Zealand tour of Pakistan was abandoned after just one Test following a bombing near the team hotel in Karachi. The players were shaken, and New Zealand flew home. It was a dark moment in the rivalry’s history. Pakistan toured New Zealand in 2003–04, and the cricket was competitive but the shadow of 2002 lingered.
Modern Era (2004 – 2022): T20 Cricket, Security Concerns & Comebacks
The modern era reshaped the Pakistan vs New Zealand contest entirely. The introduction of T20 Internationals in the mid-2000s created a third format for the rivalry. The first T20I between the two sides came around 2007–2008, and the short format immediately produced thrilling finishes.
Pakistan hosted New Zealand in 2006 and won the ODI series. But the real shift came after the 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. International cricket in Pakistan ground to a halt. For nearly a decade, Pakistan played their “home” series in the UAE, primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The 2009 tour of New Zealand by Pakistan was memorable for Shahid Afridi’s explosive batting and Umar Gul’s pace. Pakistan won the T20I series. In 2010–11, New Zealand traveled to the UAE to face Pakistan. The Test series was tight, with Pakistan edging it 1–0 thanks to a Misbah-ul-Haq masterclass.
The 2014–15 tour of New Zealand saw Kane Williamson emerge as New Zealand’s batting mainstay. He scored heavily, but Pakistan’s Younis Khan answered with a crucial century. The Test series was drawn 1–1.
The 2016–17 series in the UAE was a high-scoring affair. Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored his first ODI century against New Zealand, signaling the arrival of a modern great. Pakistan won the ODI series 2–1.
In 2018, Pakistan toured New Zealand. The Test series ended 1–1, with Trent Boult and Tim Southee causing havoc with the new ball. The T20I series, however, was dominated by Pakistan, who won 2–1.
The 2018–19 UAE series saw New Zealand win the ODI series 3–1, a statement of intent from Brendon McCullum’s successors. But Pakistan struck back in the T20Is.
Then came September 2021. New Zealand arrived in Rawalpindi for a series. Hours before the first ODI, citing a security alert, the New Zealand team packed up and flew home. Pakistan was stunned. The cricketing world was divided. The PCB expressed deep disappointment. It was the lowest point in the rivalry’s modern history.
Pakistan toured New Zealand in late 2022 for a bilateral series. The cricket was competitive, but the emotional scars of 2021 were still fresh.
2023–2026 Update: The Renaissance & Latest Chapters
This is where the story gets truly exciting.
In January 2023, New Zealand returned to Pakistan for the first time since 2003. The tour included two Tests and three ODIs. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi hosted packed, passionate crowds. New Zealand’s players spoke warmly about the hospitality. Pakistan won the Test series 2–0, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scoring big. It was a symbolic and sporting triumph.
In April–May 2023, Pakistan traveled to New Zealand for a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series. New Zealand won the T20I series 3–2 in a thrilling contest. Pakistan bounced back in the ODIs, winning 2–1.
The 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India saw the two teams meet in the group stage. New Zealand chased down Pakistan’s total in a tense encounter, with Daryl Mitchell playing a match-winning knock. Pakistan’s campaign in that tournament was ultimately disappointing.
In 2024, the two sides met during the ICC T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies. The group-stage clash was a low-scoring thriller, with Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi taking key wickets. Pakistan edged the match in a nail-biting finish.
The 2024–25 season saw Pakistan host New Zealand for a three-Test series in Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to hosting international cricket at home. The series featured outstanding bowling from Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. Pakistan won the series 2–1, reclaiming home dominance.
In early 2025, a limited-overs bilateral series (three ODIs and three T20Is) was played in New Zealand. New Zealand won the ODI series 2–1, while the T20I series ended 2–1 in Pakistan’s favour, showcasing how closely matched these teams remain.
As of mid-2026, both teams are preparing for the next ICC Champions Trophy cycle and the 2027 ODI World Cup build-up. The rivalry continues to be a marquee fixture in the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP). The pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline shows no signs of losing its drama.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955–56 | First Test series – NZ tour Pakistan (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 2–0 | Fazal Mahmood’s pace destroys NZ batting in Karachi |
| 1964–65 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (3 Tests) | Series drawn 0–0 | Saeed Ahmed and John Reid trade centuries |
| 1969–70 | NZ tour Pakistan (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 2–0 | Intikhab Alam’s spin dominates |
| 1972–73 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 1–0 | Mushtaq Mohammad’s all-round heroics |
| 1973 | First ODI between the two sides | Pakistan won | Early limited-overs experiment |
| 1976–77 | NZ tour Pakistan (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 2–0 | 19-year-old Javed Miandad announces himself |
| 1979–80 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 1–0 | Tight contest across all three venues |
| 1984–85 | NZ tour Pakistan (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 2–0 | Imran Khan and young Wasim Akram dominate |
| 1988–89 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (2 Tests) | Series drawn 1–1 | Shoaib Mohammad bats an entire day to save Test |
| 1990–91 | NZ tour Pakistan (ODIs + Tests) | Pakistan dominated | Aaqib Javed takes 7/37 in an ODI – world record |
| 1992 | ICC Cricket World Cup group match (Australia) | Pakistan won | Pakistan en route to historic WC title |
| 1995–96 | NZ tour Pakistan (Tests + ODIs) | Pakistan won series | Wasim & Waqar at their lethal peak |
| 1996–97 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (Tests) | NZ won 1–0 | Nathan Astle’s aggression stuns Pakistan |
| 2002 | NZ tour Pakistan – ABANDONED | Series called off after 1 Test | Bombing near Karachi team hotel; NZ fly home |
| 2003–04 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (Tests + ODIs) | Competitive series | Post-2002 rebuilding of the rivalry |
| 2009 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (T20Is + ODIs) | Pakistan won T20I series | Shahid Afridi’s explosive cameos |
| 2010–11 | NZ tour UAE – Pakistan’s home (Tests + ODIs) | Pakistan won Test series 1–0 | Misbah-ul-Haq’s gritty century |
| 2014–15 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (Tests + ODIs) | Test series drawn 1–1 | Kane Williamson vs Younis Khan batting duel |
| 2016–17 | NZ tour UAE (ODIs + T20Is) | Pakistan won ODI series 2–1 | Babar Azam’s first ODI century vs NZ |
| 2018 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (Tests + T20Is) | Tests drawn 1–1; Pak won T20Is 2–1 | Boult & Southee’s new-ball masterclass |
| 2018–19 | NZ tour UAE (ODIs + T20Is) | NZ won ODIs 3–1 | Williamson’s consistency on full display |
| 2021 | NZ tour Pakistan – CANCELLED | Series abandoned pre-match | Security alert in Rawalpindi; NZ fly home |
| 2022 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (Tests + ODIs) | Competitive series | Emotional return after 2021 fallout |
| 2023 (Jan) | NZ tour Pakistan (2 Tests + 3 ODIs) | Pakistan won Tests 2–0 | First NZ tour of Pakistan since 2003; huge crowds |
| 2023 (Apr) | Pakistan tour New Zealand (T20Is + ODIs) | NZ won T20Is 3–2; Pak won ODIs 2–1 | Five-match T20I thriller |
| 2023 (Oct) | ICC World Cup group match (India) | New Zealand won | Daryl Mitchell’s match-winning knock |
| 2024 | ICC T20 World Cup group match (USA/WI) | Pakistan won | Shaheen Afridi’s decisive wickets in tight finish |
| 2024–25 | NZ tour Pakistan (3 Tests) | Pakistan won 2–1 | Naseem Shah & Abrar Ahmed’s bowling masterclass |
| 2025 | Pakistan tour New Zealand (ODIs + T20Is) | NZ won ODIs 2–1; Pak won T20Is 2–1 | Closely contested limited-overs series |
| 2026 | FTP bilateral series / ICC events (upcoming) | Scheduled | Both teams in Champions Trophy & WC build-up cycle |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | Pakistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | ~62 | ~62 |
| Test Wins | 25 | 13 |
| Test Draws | 24 | 24 |
| ODI Matches Played | ~125 | ~125 |
| ODI Wins | 65 | 55 |
| ODI No Result / Tie | 5 | 5 |
| T20I Matches Played | ~42 | ~42 |
| T20I Wins | 24 | 17 |
| T20I No Result | 1 | 1 |
| World Cup Meetings (ODI) | 3 wins | 3 wins |
| World Cup Meetings (T20) | 2 wins | 1 win |
| Highest Test Score (Pak) | 594 (Lahore) | — |
| Highest Test Score (NZ) | — | 524 (Wellington) |
| Best Bowling (Test, Pak) | Waqar Younis 7/76 | — |
| Best Bowling (Test, NZ) | — | Richard Hadlee 6/53 |
| Most Test Runs (Pak vs NZ) | Younis Khan (~1,200+) | — |
| Most Test Runs (NZ vs Pak) | — | Kane Williamson (~1,000+) |
| Most ODI Runs (Pak vs NZ) | Inzamam-ul-Haq (~1,200+) | — |
| Most ODI Wickets (Pak vs NZ) | Wasim Akram (~40+) | — |
| Most ODI Wickets (NZ vs Pak) | — | Trent Boult (~30+) |
| Fastest Century (ODI, in fixture) | Shahid Afridi (46 balls) | — |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- Younis Khan holds the record for the most Test runs scored by a Pakistani batter against New Zealand, crossing 1,200 runs in the format across multiple tours. His 267 in Wellington (2009) remains one of the finest innings by a visiting batter in New Zealand.
- Kane Williamson has been New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer against Pakistan in the modern era, with multiple centuries across formats. His composure under pressure has defined the rivalry since 2014.
- Wasim Akram took the most wickets by a Pakistani bowler against New Zealand in ODIs, with over 40 dismissals. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him nearly unplayable on NZ pitches.
- Richard Hadlee, New Zealand’s greatest fast bowler, terrorized Pakistani batsmen in the 1980s. His 6/53 in a Test remains one of the best bowling figures in this fixture.
- Aaqib Javed’s 7/37 in an ODI in 1990–91 was a world record at the time and remains one of the most devastating spells in ODI history.
- Shahid Afridi smashed the fastest century in this fixture, reaching three figures off just 46 balls in an ODI, a testament to his explosive style.
Team Records
- Pakistan’s 594 in a Test against New Zealand in Lahore is the highest team total in the rivalry.
- New Zealand’s lowest Test total against Pakistan was just 67, recorded during the 1955–56 series in Karachi.
- The 2002 abandoned tour remains the only bilateral series in cricket history to be called off due to a security incident mid-tour (distinct from the 2021 pre-match cancellation).
Interesting Trivia
- Pakistan have never lost a Test series at home to New Zealand when playing in actual home conditions (excluding UAE “home” series).
- The rivalry has produced three hat-tricks across formats.
- Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf both scored centuries on debut or early-career matches against New Zealand, highlighting how this fixture has been a launching pad for Pakistani batting greats.
- New Zealand’s 2023 return to Pakistan was watched by a TV audience of over 30 million in Pakistan alone, making it one of the most-watched cricket events that year.
FAQs
When did Pakistan and New Zealand first play a Test match against each other? A: The first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand was played in October 1955 in Karachi. Pakistan won by an innings, with Fazal Mahmood starring with the ball. Pakistan went on to win that historic series 2–0.
Why did New Zealand pull out of the 2021 tour of Pakistan? A: In September 2021, just hours before the first ODI in Rawalpindi, New Zealand’s team received a security threat alert from their government. The squad immediately flew home, and the entire series was cancelled. It was a major blow to Pakistan’s efforts to revive home cricket.
What is the overall head-to-head record between Pakistan and New Zealand in Tests? A: In approximately 62 Tests, Pakistan lead with around 25 wins to New Zealand’s 13, with about 24 matches drawn. Pakistan’s record is particularly strong at home, where they have lost very few Tests to New Zealand.
Who holds the record for most runs in Pakistan vs New Zealand cricket? A: Younis Khan of Pakistan holds the record for most Test runs in this fixture, with over 1,200 runs. In ODIs, Inzamam-ul-Haq leads the Pakistani charts. For New Zealand, Kane Williamson is the leading modern-era run-scorer.
When did New Zealand last tour Pakistan for a full bilateral series? A: New Zealand toured Pakistan in January 2023 for two Tests and three ODIs, their first full tour since 2003. Pakistan won the Test series 2–0. The tour was a landmark moment for cricket’s return to Pakistan.
How many times have Pakistan and New Zealand met in ICC World Cups? A: The two teams have met roughly six times across ODI and T20 World Cups combined. The encounters have been evenly split, with both sides winning three ODI World Cup matches each. Their T20 World Cup meetings have also been closely contested.
What is the next scheduled series between Pakistan and New Zealand? A: As of 2026, the ICC Future Tours Programme has bilateral series scheduled between the two nations in the lead-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both teams are also expected to meet in ICC multi-team events like the Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
The pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline is a story of contrasts, resilience, and mutual respect. From Fazal Mahmood’s fiery spells in 1955 to Shaheen Afridi’s death-over heroics in 2024, this rivalry has produced cricket of the highest order. It has survived bombings, security scares, and a decade of playing “home” matches in the UAE. Yet every time these two teams meet, the contest is fresh, fierce, and full of possibility.
As both sides gear up for the next World Cup cycle and beyond, one thing is certain: the next chapter of this storied rivalry will be just as gripping as the last seven decades. Keep your eyes on the pakistan national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline — the best may still be ahead.
