Introduction: new zealand national cricket team vs pakistan national cricket team timeline
Cricket rivalries often bring out the best moments in the sport, and the battles between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the Pakistan National Cricket Team have given fans plenty to cheer about. Both teams come from very different cricketing cultures—Pakistan with its raw talent and flair, and New Zealand with its discipline and steady rise—but when they clash, the contests usually turn into gripping affairs.
This article takes you through a timeline of their cricket history, highlights players’ hobbies (hibbies), and gives you a closer look at what makes this rivalry so special.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head at a Glance
- First Test Match: Played in 1955 at Karachi. Pakistan came out on top.
- First ODI Match: Held in Christchurch in 1973. Pakistan won again.
- First T20I Match: Played at Johannesburg in 2007 during the inaugural T20 World Cup. Pakistan won comfortably.
- Overall Record: Pakistan enjoyed dominance for decades, but New Zealand has balanced things in recent years, especially at home.
Timeline of Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches
The table below captures some of the most significant milestones in this rivalry across formats:
| Year | Format | Venue/Series | Key Highlight | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Test | Karachi | First-ever Test between Pakistan and New Zealand. | Pakistan won. |
| 1965 | Test | Lahore | New Zealand registered their maiden Test win over Pakistan. | New Zealand won. |
| 1973 | ODI | Christchurch | The two sides met in their first-ever ODI. | Pakistan won. |
| 1981 | Test | Karachi | Javed Miandad’s brilliance guided Pakistan to victory. | Pakistan won. |
| 1992 | World Cup Semi-final | Auckland | Pakistan knocked New Zealand out at home to reach the final. | Pakistan won. |
| 1996 | World Cup Quarter-final | Bengaluru | Pakistan got the better of New Zealand in another knockout. | Pakistan won. |
| 2009 | Test | Dunedin | Ross Taylor and Daniel Vettori helped New Zealand edge Pakistan. | New Zealand won. |
| 2011 | World Cup Group Stage | Pallekele | Ross Taylor smashed a stunning 131 on his birthday. | New Zealand won. |
| 2018 | T20I Series | UAE | Pakistan outplayed New Zealand 3–0 in the series. | Pakistan dominated. |
| 2019 | World Cup | Birmingham | Babar Azam’s elegant hundred sealed a Pakistan win. | Pakistan won. |
| 2020 | Test | Mount Maunganui | Kane Williamson’s double ton secured victory for New Zealand. | New Zealand won. |
| 2022 | T20 World Cup Semi-final | Sydney | Pakistan eased past New Zealand to reach the final. | Pakistan won. |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | Bengaluru | Fakhar Zaman’s fireworks powered Pakistan to victory (DLS). | Pakistan won. |
| 2024 | T20I Series | Christchurch | New Zealand showed their strength in home conditions. | New Zealand won series. |
The Nature of the Rivalry
In Test Cricket
For much of the early history, Pakistan dominated New Zealand with legendary bowlers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis leading the charge. However, in the 2000s and beyond, the Kiwis became far stronger at home, using seaming pitches to their advantage with Kane Williamson’s leadership and pacers like Southee and Boult.
In ODIs
World Cups have been a big stage for these two sides. Pakistan often rose in crunch matches—like the 1992 semi-final and the 2019 group game. New Zealand too delivered punches, especially Ross Taylor’s 2011 assault that crushed Pakistan’s hopes.
In T20Is
This format has made things unpredictable. Pakistan traditionally hold the edge overall, but New Zealand remain dangerous opponents, particularly in their backyard. The 2022 World Cup semi-final win for Pakistan was a reminder of how heated yet respectful this rivalry is.
Iconic Players
Pakistan Stars
- Imran Khan – Inspired Pakistan’s golden run in 1992.
- Wasim Akram – Feared worldwide for his lethal swing bowling.
- Babar Azam – Current captain and batting mainstay.
- Shahid Afridi – The entertainer who could change games in minutes.
New Zealand Greats
- Richard Hadlee – Among the finest fast bowlers of all time.
- Stephen Fleming – Long-serving captain with a calm presence.
- Kane Williamson – Modern batting genius and respected leader.
- Ross Taylor – Match-winner with the bat, especially against Pakistan.
Hibbies (Hobbies) of Players
Fans often love to know what their favorite cricketers do off the field. Here are some hobbies of current and past players:
Pakistani Players
- Babar Azam – Fitness enthusiast, loves gaming and travel.
- Shaheen Afridi – Enjoys music, taking photos, and spending time outdoors.
- Shadab Khan – Big football fan, supports Real Madrid.
- Mohammad Rizwan – Passionate about religious study and charity work.
New Zealand Players
- Kane Williamson – Likes surfing, reading, and quiet family life.
- Trent Boult – Enjoys fishing and being close to nature.
- Devon Conway – Loves golf and exploring new places.
- Tim Southee – Has a fondness for rugby and farming.
Why This Rivalry Stands Out
The Pakistan–New Zealand cricketing relationship is not just about wins and losses. It’s about:
- Contrasting Styles: Pakistan’s flair vs. New Zealand’s steadiness.
- Sportsmanship: New Zealand’s “gentlemanly” approach complements Pakistan’s passion.
- Respect in Adversity: After the 2009 Lahore attack, when New Zealand stood with Pakistan cricket, mutual respect deepened further.
Matches Fans Still Talk About
1992 World Cup Semi-final
Pakistan’s remarkable chase in Auckland silenced a strong Kiwi side and set the stage for their historic World Cup triumph.
Ross Taylor’s Birthday Blitz (2011)
Taylor’s ferocious hitting on his birthday in Pallekele turned the game on its head and stunned Pakistan.
Babar’s 2019 Century
In a high-pressure World Cup game, Babar Azam’s class shone bright in Birmingham as Pakistan pulled off a famous win.
2022 Semi-final in Sydney
Pakistan once again overcame New Zealand in a World Cup knockout match, keeping their knockout record against the Blackcaps intact.
Looking Ahead
Both teams are brimming with young talent. For Pakistan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Babar Azam lead the way, while New Zealand relies on Conway, Phillips, and Southee. The rivalry is set to continue in future World Cups and bilateral tours, with fans expecting more nail-biting games.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs New Zealand rivalry is rich with history, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments. From the first Test in 1955 to the thrilling World Cup matches of recent years, each chapter adds something unique to cricket’s story. Beyond the matches, the players’ hibbies and personalities remind us that they’re not just athletes, but real people with passions outside the game.
