The most recent official encounter between the Pakistan national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team took place during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the subsequent bilateral T20I series in March 2025. In their latest high-stakes match on March 23, 2025, at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 115 runs, scoring 220/6 in their 20 overs while bowling Pakistan out for just 105. Earlier in the year, the two sides also met in the ODI Tri-Series final in Karachi, where New Zealand secured a 5-wicket victory to clinch the title.
This comprehensive guide provides the full scorecard details, head-to-head statistics, and historical context for one of cricket’s most frequent and thrilling rivalries. You will find a deep dive into recent match performances, player milestones, and practical information for fans looking to follow upcoming fixtures in 2026.
Recent T20I Scorecard: March 23, 2025
The final T20I of the 2025 bilateral series in New Zealand saw a dominant display by the Black Caps at Hagley Oval and Eden Park. In the series finale, New Zealand’s top order fired collectively to post a daunting total of 220/6, led by Finn Allen’s explosive 50 off just 19 balls.
Pakistan’s response was hampered by frequent wickets, with New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy claiming 4 wickets for 20 runs. The scorecard reflected a significant gap in power-hitting between the two sides on the day, as Pakistan was bundled out for 105 runs in 16.2 overs, handing New Zealand a 115-run victory and a series clean sweep.
Champions Trophy 2025 Match Summary
The rivalry reached a fever pitch during the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy in February 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi. Batting first, New Zealand posted an imposing 320/5, thanks to brilliant centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (101*).
Pakistan’s chase began promisingly with a gritty 64 from Babar Azam, but the middle order struggled against the spin of Mitchell Santner, who took 3/66. Despite a late-inning flourish of 69 from Khushdil Shah, Pakistan fell short by 60 runs, finishing their 50 overs at 260/10.
Head-to-Head ODI Statistics
Historically, Pakistan has held a slight edge over New Zealand in One Day Internationals, though the gap has narrowed significantly in the last five years. Out of 118 total ODIs, Pakistan has emerged victorious in 61 matches, while New Zealand has won 53, with 3 no-results and 1 tie.
New Zealand’s recent dominance is evident in their performance during the 2025 season, where they won all four ODI encounters against Pakistan, including the Tri-Series final. The “Black Caps” have mastered the art of playing on subcontinental pitches, often outclassing Pakistan in their own backyard.
T20I Head-to-Head Comparison
In the shortest format of the game, the rivalry is even more balanced, reflecting the volatile nature of T20 cricket. As of early 2026, the two teams have played 49 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 24 and New Zealand winning 23.
Pakistan’s success in T20Is has traditionally relied on their world-class pace attack, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. However, New Zealand’s depth in all-rounders and superior fielding standards have allowed them to win crucial matches in ICC tournaments, including the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final.
Test Match Record and Legacy
The Test rivalry between these two nations dates back to 1955 and is characterized by long periods of Pakistani dominance followed by a modern resurgence from New Zealand. Pakistan leads the overall Test count with 25 wins to New Zealand’s 12, while 21 matches have ended in draws.
New Zealand has been particularly strong in home Test series over the last decade, utilizing green-top pitches to nullify Pakistan’s batting strength. Conversely, Pakistan remains a difficult team to beat in neutral venues like the UAE, where their spinners have historically thrived.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
The battle between Shaheen Shah Afridi and Finn Allen has become a highlight of the Powerplay in recent years. Allen’s aggressive approach against the moving ball often dictates New Zealand’s momentum, while Afridi’s ability to pick up early wickets is crucial for Pakistan’s defensive strategy.
In the spin department, the duel between Mitchell Santner and Babar Azam is a tactical chess match. Santner’s pinpoint accuracy and subtle variations in pace have frequently troubled the Pakistani captain, making it a pivotal contest in the middle overs of white-ball cricket.
Impact of Venue and Conditions
Matches played in New Zealand typically favor the “swing and seam” bowlers due to the windy conditions and drop-in pitches at venues like Wellington and Christchurch. The small boundaries at Eden Park also make it a high-scoring ground where no target is truly safe.
In Pakistan, the pitches at Lahore and Karachi are traditionally batting-friendly but offer significant turn for spinners as the match progresses. Scorecards from these venues often show high first-innings totals, followed by a slower second innings where disciplined spin bowling becomes the deciding factor.
Historic Milestones in the Rivalry
One of the most legendary encounters occurred during the 1992 World Cup semi-final, where Inzamam-ul-Haq’s blistering 60 off 37 balls helped Pakistan chase down 262 to reach the final. This match is still cited by fans as a turning point in Pakistan’s cricket history.
More recently, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s 329 in 2002 remains the highest individual score by a Pakistani against New Zealand. For the Black Caps, Richard Hadlee’s career-best performances in the 1980s set the standard for pace bowling excellence in this fixture.
2026 T20 World Cup Outlook
As both teams prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, they are scheduled to meet in the group stages. Given the subcontinental conditions, Pakistan is expected to have a slight advantage, although New Zealand’s consistency in ICC events makes them a formidable opponent.
Pakistan will play their group matches in Sri Lanka, where the slower pitches will suit their bowling attack. New Zealand, playing primarily in India, will rely on their experience from the IPL and previous tours to navigate the high-pressure environment of a World Cup.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend future matches or follow the Pakistan vs New Zealand tour live, here are the essential details:
- Upcoming Series: Zimbabwe and Australia are touring Pakistan in early 2026 before the World Cup.
- Match Tickets: Prices for home matches in Pakistan typically start at PKR 500 for general enclosures and go up to PKR 10,000 for VIP boxes.
- Transport: Major stadiums like Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) and National Stadium (Karachi) are well-connected by local shuttle services on match days.
- Viewing Experience: Expect rigorous security checks; it is advised to arrive at the stadium at least 2 hours before the first ball.
- What to Wear: Light clothing for matches in Pakistan (Sept-March) and warm layers for tours in New Zealand (Dec-Feb).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I?
New Zealand won the last T20I on March 23, 2025, by 115 runs, securing a series clean sweep in Auckland.
What is the highest team total in a PAK vs NZ ODI?
New Zealand holds the record for the highest total, scoring 369/5 in 2015 at Napier, while Pakistan’s highest is 338/5 at Rawalpindi in 2023.
How many times has Pakistan beaten New Zealand in World Cups?
Pakistan has a strong World Cup record against New Zealand, famously winning the 1992 and 1999 semi-finals, as well as several group-stage matches.
Where can I watch the live scorecard for Pakistan matches?
Live scorecards are available on official platforms like the ICC website, ESPNcricinfo, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) mobile app.
Who has the most wickets in Pakistan vs New Zealand Tests?
Legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis holds the record with 70 wickets in 13 Test matches against the Black Caps.
Is Babar Azam the top scorer in this rivalry?
While Babar Azam has a prolific record, Javed Miandad remains the leading run-scorer in Tests (1,919 runs) and ODIs for Pakistan against New Zealand.
When is the next New Zealand tour of Pakistan?
Following the 2025 tour, New Zealand is expected to return to Pakistan for a bilateral series in late 2026 as part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP).
What was the result of the 2025 Tri-Series final?
New Zealand won the Tri-Series final in Karachi by 5 wickets, successfully chasing down Pakistan’s target of 243.
Who is the current captain of the Pakistan T20 team?
As of early 2026, Mohammad Rizwan has been leading the T20I squad following a leadership transition in late 2025.
Can I buy tickets for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
Tickets for the 2026 T20 World Cup are typically released 3-4 months before the tournament via the official ICC ticketing portal.
What is the “low to moderate” security risk in Pakistan?
The ICC and independent security firms monitor venues; while risks are managed, fans are encouraged to follow official travel advisories and stadium protocols.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan vs New Zealand cricket match scorecard history reflects a rivalry that has become one of the most frequent and evenly matched contests in the modern era. While Pakistan historically dominated the Test and ODI arenas throughout the 20th century, the “Black Caps” have staged a remarkable resurgence over the last decade. The events of 2025—spanning the ICC Champions Trophy, the ODI Tri-Series, and the T20I bilateral tour—highlighted New Zealand’s tactical superiority in white-ball cricket, particularly their ability to outplay Pakistan in high-pressure death overs and powerplay transitions.
Looking ahead to the 2026 T20 World Cup, both teams are in a state of evolution. Pakistan is focusing on integrating young pace talent like Abbas Afridi alongside veterans like Shaheen Afridi, while New Zealand continues to find success through a deep roster of versatile all-rounders like Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. Whether it is a rain-affected thriller in Auckland or a spin-dominated battle in Karachi, the scorecard of a Pakistan-New Zealand encounter remains a must-watch for any cricket enthusiast, offering a unique blend of Asian flair and Kiwi resilience.
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