Introduction to New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Stats
Cricket has long been a sport that thrives on rivalries, and one such compelling contest is the series between the New Zealand national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team . Over the years, these two teams have faced off in various formats of the game — Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Their encounters have produced some memorable moments, thrilling finishes, and standout performances from players on both sides.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at the head-to-head statistics between New Zealand and Pakistan across all three formats. We’ll explore win-loss records, notable player performances, significant milestones, and key trends that have defined this rivalry over the decades.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Overview
The rivalry between New Zealand and Pakistan dates back to the 1970s. Since then, the two teams have played numerous matches across all formats. The following table summarizes their overall head-to-head record:
| Format | Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Pakistan Wins | No Result/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 64 | 18 | 15 | 31 |
| ODIs | 149 | 70 | 75 | 4 |
| T20Is | 36 | 17 | 19 | 0 |
| Total | 249 | 105 | 109 | 35 |
As of the latest update (March 2024), Pakistan holds a slight edge in overall head-to-head contests, but the gap is very narrow. Both teams are relatively evenly matched, making each encounter exciting for fans around the world.
Test Match Statistics
Test cricket is often seen as the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Let’s dive into how New Zealand and Pakistan have fared against each other in this format.
Match Summary
| Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Pakistan Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 18 | 15 | 31 |
New Zealand has historically struggled in Test matches against Pakistan, especially on the subcontinent where Pakistan traditionally enjoys home advantage. However, they have shown improvement in recent years, particularly with strong leadership and aggressive batting lineups.
Top Performers – Batsmen
| Player | Runs | Average | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | 1241 | 54.00 | 238* |
| Ross Taylor (NZ) | 1106 | 44.24 | 181 |
| Younis Khan (PAK) | 1087 | 51.76 | 313* |
| Mohammad Yousuf (PAK) | 961 | 64.06 | 200 |
| Brendon McCullum (NZ) | 956 | 43.45 | 158 |
Younis Khan stands out as the highest run-scorer in the bilateral Test series, including a monumental 313 not out in Lahore in 2009. On the Kiwi side, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor have consistently delivered solid performances.
Top Performers – Bowlers
| Player | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling in Innings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Vettori (NZ) | 87 | 33.20 | 6/42 |
| Shane Bond (NZ) | 43 | 25.16 | 5/32 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 72 | 26.10 | 5/44 |
| Waqar Younis (PAK) | 61 | 26.57 | 6/26 |
| Shoaib Akhtar (PAK) | 35 | 24.80 | 5/44 |
Daniel Vettori is the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand against Pakistan in Tests, while Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis remain dominant figures for Pakistan. Their ability to swing the ball late made them a nightmare for New Zealand batsmen during the 1990s and early 2000s.
ODI Series Performance
One Day Internationals have provided more balanced competition between the two teams. With fluctuating results and high-scoring games, the ODI series between New Zealand and Pakistan has been one of the most entertaining.
Match Summary
| Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Pakistan Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 149 | 70 | 75 | 4 |
Pakistan leads the ODI head-to-head by a small margin, but New Zealand has gained momentum in recent years, especially in ICC tournaments.
Top Run Scorers
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Guptill (NZ) | 2025 | 44.02 | 86.1 | 5 | 10 |
| Ross Taylor (NZ) | 1950 | 48.75 | 82.6 | 6 | 11 |
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 1875 | 60.48 | 88.7 | 5 | 13 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq (PAK) | 1690 | 47.00 | 74.1 | 3 | 11 |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | 1634 | 56.34 | 82.3 | 4 | 10 |
Babar Azam has emerged as a key performer in ODIs for Pakistan, with an impressive average and strike rate. For New Zealand, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor have been consistent contributors.
Top Wicket Takers
| Player | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (NZ) | 64 | 29.80 | 5.20 | 4/20 |
| Trent Boult (NZ) | 58 | 31.40 | 5.35 | 4/23 |
| Umar Gul (PAK) | 57 | 28.60 | 5.10 | 5/6 |
| Shahid Afridi (PAK) | 55 | 34.70 | 4.95 | 4/24 |
| Daniel Vettori (NZ) | 49 | 36.10 | 4.60 | 4/34 |
Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult lead the way for New Zealand with their left-arm pace and swing, while Umar Gul remains Pakistan’s most successful bowler in ODIs against the Kiwis, known for his deadly yorkers.
T20 International Battles
T20 cricket brings a different flavor to the rivalry, with explosive batting and death-over specialists taking center stage. This format has witnessed some nail-biting finishes and record-breaking knocks.
Match Summary
| Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Pakistan Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 17 | 19 |
Pakistan holds a marginal lead in T20Is, but the contest remains closely contested. The shortest format has seen several upsets and last-ball finishes.
Top Run Scorers
| Player | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam (PAK) | 740 | 43.52 | 118.0 | 5 |
| Colin Munro (NZ) | 694 | 34.70 | 135.4 | 3 |
| Kane Williamson (NZ) | 587 | 48.91 | 118.5 | 3 |
| Martin Guptill (NZ) | 578 | 36.12 | 131.3 | 2 |
| Mohammad Hafeez (PAK) | 569 | 33.47 | 112.6 | 3 |
Babar Azam leads the chart for Pakistan with a high average and strike rate, while Colin Munro and Martin Guptill bring power-hitting to the Kiwi lineup.
Top Wicket Takers
| Player | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee (NZ) | 33 | 21.57 | 7.40 | 4/19 |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK) | 27 | 22.11 | 7.10 | 3/19 |
| Trent Boult (NZ) | 25 | 22.00 | 7.30 | 4/16 |
| Imad Wasim (PAK) | 23 | 23.95 | 7.60 | 3/18 |
| Ish Sodhi (NZ) | 21 | 24.80 | 7.20 | 4/24 |
Tim Southee and Trent Boult form a lethal new-ball pairing for New Zealand, while Shaheen Shah Afridi has become Pakistan’s go-to bowler in crunch situations.
Key Series and Memorable Matches
Several series and individual matches stand out in the history of this rivalry:
1. 1996 World Cup Semi-Final – Lahore
One of the most iconic matches was the 1996 World Cup semi-final in Lahore, where Pakistan defeated New Zealand by 38 runs. Inzamam-ul-Haq scored a blistering 60 off 37 balls to help Pakistan post a competitive total. Despite Stephen Fleming’s 82, New Zealand fell short.
2. 2009 ICC Champions Trophy Group Stage – Centurion
In a rain-affected match reduced to 26 overs per side, Ross Taylor hit a sensational 131 off 125 balls, helping New Zealand chase down 224 with 3 balls to spare. His innings is still regarded as one of the best chases in tournament history.
3. 2016 World T20 Semi-Final – Delhi
In a dramatic semi-final clash, Pakistan chased down 160 with 2 balls to spare, thanks to a composed 52 off 41 balls by Muhammad Hafeez. New Zealand had posted 159 for 5 after being sent in, but couldn’t defend the total under pressure.
4. 2021 T20I Series – Pakistan 3–1 New Zealand
Pakistan won the four-match T20I series 3–1 in UAE, with Babar Azam scoring 190 runs at an average of 95. The series showed Pakistan’s growing strength in T20Is and New Zealand’s vulnerability in spin-friendly conditions.
Conclusion: A Rivalry That Keeps Evolving
The cricketing rivalry between New Zealand and Pakistan is one built on mutual respect, intense competition, and unforgettable moments. While Pakistan holds a slight statistical edge across formats, New Zealand has grown into a formidable opponent in all forms of the game.
With emerging talents like Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Shaheen Shah Afridi joining seasoned performers like Kane Williamson and Babar Azam, the future of this rivalry promises even more excitement.
Whether it’s the resilience of Test cricket, the thrill of ODIs, or the fireworks of T20s, every match between New Zealand and Pakistan brings something special to the table. Fans eagerly await the next chapter in this storied rivalry, which continues to be one of the most captivating in international cricket.
Also read – Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Stats
