The rivalry between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team is one of the most unpredictable contests in international cricket. Known for dramatic finishes and fluctuating momentum, this rivalry blends New Zealand’s consistency with Pakistan’s flair and unpredictability.
Recent Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
New Zealand Score
Pakistan Score
Result
Series
Bilateral ODI
Mount Maunganui
5 Apr 2025
264/8 (50 overs)
221
New Zealand won by 43 runs
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral ODI
Hamilton
2 Apr 2025
292/8 (50 overs)
208
New Zealand won by 84 runs
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral ODI
Napier
29 Mar 2025
344/9 (50 overs)
271
New Zealand won by 73 runs
Bilateral ODI
Bilateral T20I
Wellington
26 Mar 2025
131/2
128/9 (20 overs)
New Zealand won by 8 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Mount Maunganui
23 Mar 2025
n/a
n/a
New Zealand won by 115 runs
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Auckland
21 Mar 2025
n/a
n/a
Pakistan won by 9 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Bilateral T20I
Dunedin
18 Mar 2025
n/a
n/a
New Zealand won by 5 wkts
Bilateral T20I
Highest Team Scores
Rank
Team
Score
Format
Venue / Key Note
1
New Zealand
612/9d
Test
Record high in a Test match
2
Pakistan
571/8d
Test
Massive declaration
3
Pakistan
566/3d
Test
Dominant batting display
4
Pakistan
565/9d
Test
High-scoring thriller
5
New Zealand
364
ODI
Explosive limited-overs total
Top Wicket Takers
Rank
Player
Team
Wickets
Matches
Best Figures / Era Highlight
1
Waqar Younis
Pakistan
79
37
6/30 – Swing king of the 90s
2
Wasim Akram
Pakistan
64
38
5/19 – The ultimate left-arm legend
3
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan
33
~21
Modern pace spearhead (T20I dominance)
4
Tim Southee
New Zealand
38
–
Consistent death-over maestro
5
Ish Sodhi
New Zealand
34
–
Spin threat in white-ball cricket
The Golden Era of Caribbean Fast Bowling
Match/Series
Year
Key Bowler(s)
Wickets in Match/Series
Highlight / Impact
Pakistan in New Zealand ODI Series
1993/94
Waqar Younis
5 in one innings
Terrifying reverse swing demolished NZ
Faisalabad Test
1990
Waqar Younis
12 (7/76 & 5/54)
Match-winning haul; Pakistan crushed NZ
Overall 90s Dominance
1990–2000
Wasim Akram + Waqar Younis
100+ combined
“WiWaq” duo terrorized NZ batsmen repeatedly
Early 2000s Series
2002–2003
Shoaib Akhtar + others
Multiple 5-wicket hauls
Raw pace echoed Caribbean fire of the past
Overall Head-to-Head Records Across Formats
The overall head-to-head record between New Zealand and Pakistan highlights a closely contested rivalry across all formats. Pakistan traditionally holds an advantage in ODIs and T20Is due to its aggressive style and match-winning players, while New Zealand has performed consistently well in Test cricket. Over the years, both teams have secured memorable victories, making the stats quite balanced. Pakistan’s strength lies in its ability to produce unexpected results, whereas New Zealand’s disciplined approach ensures steady performances. The numbers reflect Pakistan having a slight edge overall, but New Zealand’s consistency keeps the rivalry competitive. This balance makes every series between the two teams exciting and difficult to predict.
Format
Matches
Pakistan Wins
New Zealand Wins
Draw/No Result
Tests
60+
25+
15+
Many
ODIs
110+
60+
50+
Few
T20Is
40+
22+
18+
Few
Overall
210+
Slight Edge
Competitive
Few
Test Cricket Stats and Classic Encounters
Test cricket between New Zealand and Pakistan has produced several classic encounters, often influenced by pitch conditions. Pakistan has historically dominated in home conditions with spin-friendly tracks, while New Zealand has been strong in seam-friendly environments. The stats show Pakistan leading in total Test wins, but New Zealand has achieved significant victories, especially in recent years. Matches are often closely fought, with bowlers playing a decisive role. The rivalry in this format reflects a battle of contrasting styles—Pakistan’s spin attack versus New Zealand’s pace and discipline. This makes Test matches between the two teams highly engaging and strategically rich.
Category
Pakistan
New Zealand
Total Wins
25+
15+
Home Wins
Strong
Strong
Away Wins
Competitive
Competitive
Series Wins
Higher
Notable
Draw Matches
Several
Several
One Day International (ODI) Stats Overview
ODI cricket has been the backbone of the New Zealand vs Pakistan rivalry, producing numerous memorable matches. Pakistan holds a slight advantage in total ODI wins, thanks to its strong performances in earlier decades and ICC tournaments. New Zealand, however, has been highly consistent, especially in modern cricket, often reaching the latter stages of major tournaments. The stats show a competitive rivalry, with both teams capable of winning in any condition. High-scoring games, close chases, and standout individual performances are common in this format. The balance in ODI stats reflects the evenly matched nature of these teams.
Category
Pakistan
New Zealand
Matches Won
60+
50+
Highest Score
350+
350+
Successful Chases
Many
Many
Win Percentage
Slightly Higher
Competitive
ICC Encounters
Multiple
Multiple
T20 International Stats and Match Trends
T20 Internationals have added excitement and unpredictability to this rivalry. Pakistan has been one of the strongest teams in this format, with a reputation for producing world-class bowlers and dynamic batsmen. New Zealand, known for its adaptability and teamwork, has also performed consistently in T20 cricket. The stats indicate Pakistan holding a slight edge in wins, but New Zealand has delivered crucial victories in important matches. Close finishes and last-over thrillers are common, highlighting the competitive nature of this format. This rivalry continues to thrive in T20 cricket, offering fans high-intensity entertainment.
Category
Pakistan
New Zealand
Matches Won
22+
18+
Highest Score
200+
200+
Best Bowling
Strong
Strong
Win Ratio
Slightly Higher
Competitive
Recent Form
Competitive
Strong
Key Performers and Memorable Moments
The New Zealand vs Pakistan rivalry has been shaped by outstanding individual performances and unforgettable moments. Both teams have produced legendary players who have delivered match-winning contributions with bat and ball. Pakistan’s unpredictability often leads to dramatic victories, while New Zealand’s consistency ensures steady success. The stats highlight numerous centuries, five-wicket hauls, and game-changing partnerships that have defined this rivalry. These moments add depth and excitement, making each encounter special for cricket fans around the world.
Record Type
Pakistan
New Zealand
Top Run Scorer
High
High
Top Wicket Taker
Strong
Strong
Centuries
Many
Many
Best Bowling Figures
Notable
Notable
Match Winners
Numerous
Numerous
Modern Era Stats and Rivalry Evolution
In the modern era, the rivalry between New Zealand and Pakistan has become even more competitive. New Zealand has established itself as one of the most consistent teams in world cricket, while Pakistan continues to be a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. The stats from recent years show a balanced contest, with both teams winning important matches across formats. Advances in strategy, fitness, and technology have enhanced the quality of cricket, making this rivalry more exciting than ever. Both teams continue to evolve, ensuring that future encounters remain thrilling and closely contested.
Modern Stats
Pakistan
New Zealand
Recent Wins
Competitive
Competitive
Team Strength
Strong
Very Strong
ICC Performance
Strong
Excellent
Overseas Success
Good
High
Rivalry Status
Balanced
Balanced
Conclusion
The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team rivalry is a perfect blend of unpredictability and consistency. While Pakistan holds a slight historical edge, New Zealand’s steady performances ensure a balanced contest. With both teams continuing to evolve, this rivalry promises more thrilling matches, dramatic moments, and high-quality cricket in the years to come.