Introduction: new zealand national cricket team vs pakistan national cricket team match scorecard
When you think of classic cricket rivalries, New Zealand vs Pakistan may not be the first one that pops into your mind—but it probably should be. Over the decades, these two teams have put on some thrilling shows, with matches swinging back and forth till the last over. Whether it’s a grueling Test match or a power-packed T20, the competition is fierce, respectful, and always entertaining.
This article brings you everything from recent match results and scorecards, to quirky off-field player hobbies (or “hibbies,” as fans like to say), and a quick dive into some unforgettable moments that define this underrated rivalry.
Table of Contents
A Look at the Overall Rivalry – Who’s Been on Top?
Let’s break it down by format to see how the teams stack up:
Test Matches
These two first played Test cricket against each other way back in 1955. Since then:
- Total Matches: 62
- Pakistan Wins: 25
- New Zealand Wins: 14
- Draws: 23
Pakistan has had the upper hand overall, especially in subcontinent conditions, but New Zealand has made some strong statements in recent years, especially at home.
ODIs (One Day Internationals)
In 50-over cricket, the competition has been tighter:
- Total Played: 115
- Pakistan Wins: 60
- New Zealand Wins: 51
- No Result: 4
Not much separates them here. Pakistan holds a narrow lead, but New Zealand has been closing in, especially in ICC tournaments.
T20 Internationals
When it comes to the shortest format, fireworks are almost guaranteed:
- Total T20Is Played: 39
- Pakistan Wins: 21
- New Zealand Wins: 17
- No Result: 1
Pakistan slightly edges ahead in T20Is, thanks to their fast bowlers and hard-hitting middle order.
Match Recap: 5th T20I – April 27, 2024, Lahore
Let’s talk about one of the most recent thrillers these teams were involved in — the 5th and final T20I of a gripping series, played at Gaddafi Stadium.
New Zealand Batting First
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Seifert | 52 | 33 | 6 | 2 |
| Dean Foxcroft | 34 | 26 | 3 | 1 |
| Mark Chapman | 29 | 21 | 2 | 2 |
| James Neesham | 25* | 15 | 2 | 1 |
- Total Score: 178/7 in 20 overs
- Extras: 8
Pakistan Bowlers
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi | 4 | 29 | 2 |
| Naseem Shah | 4 | 34 | 1 |
| Shadab Khan | 4 | 36 | 2 |
| Imad Wasim | 3 | 25 | 1 |
New Zealand posted a solid total, led by Seifert’s aggressive innings at the top and a quick finish from Neesham.
Pakistan Chasing Down the Target
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 45 | 34 | 5 | 1 |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 58 | 38 | 7 | 1 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | 30* | 17 | 2 | 2 |
| Azam Khan | 20 | 12 | 1 | 2 |
- Final Score: 179/4 in 19.3 overs
- Extras: 6
New Zealand Bowlers
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Henry | 4 | 35 | 2 |
| Ben Sears | 4 | 41 | 1 |
| Ish Sodhi | 3 | 27 | 0 |
Pakistan chased down the target with 3 balls to spare, largely thanks to Rizwan’s steady hand and a few fireworks toward the end.
Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
Player of the Match: Mohammad Rizwan
Player Hibbies – What Do They Do Off the Pitch?
Cricketers aren’t just about bat and ball. Here’s what a few key players enjoy when they’re not playing.
Pakistan Stars
Babar Azam
- Enjoys: Gym, video games, long drives
- Babar often shares workout videos on Instagram and is known to be a fan of racing games.
Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Loves: Fishing, relaxing outdoors
- Shaheen has said in interviews he enjoys heading to lakes when he wants to unwind.
Shadab Khan
- Interests: Reading, documentaries
- He’s curious by nature and enjoys learning about world history.
New Zealand Favorites
Kane Williamson
- Enjoys: Playing guitar, surfing
- The Kiwi captain has a calm personality and likes spending time at the beach or with music.
Jimmy Neesham
- Loves: Golf, clever tweets
- Known for his humor on social media, Neesham is also into outdoor sports like golf.
Tim Southee
- Interests: Farming, family time
- When not swinging the new ball, Southee is often back home helping out on his family’s farm.
Unforgettable Moments from the Rivalry
1992 World Cup Semi-Final
Back in 1992, Pakistan knocked New Zealand out in the semi-finals with a brilliant chase, thanks largely to Inzamam-ul-Haq. It’s one of Pakistan’s most iconic wins and part of their journey to lifting their only World Cup trophy.
Test Thriller in UAE – 2018
In Abu Dhabi, New Zealand pulled off a nail-biting win in the final innings, bowling out Pakistan by a margin of just 4 runs. Ajaz Patel grabbed a five-wicket haul on debut — a night to remember.
Rizwan’s Night in Napier – 2020
Rizwan played a career-best T20I knock in Napier, scoring 89 not out and guiding Pakistan to victory in a last-over thriller. It cemented his reputation as a big-match player.
What’s Coming Up Next?
The two teams are likely to face off again very soon:
- 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan
- New Zealand Tour of Pakistan (2026), featuring all three formats
Given how competitive things have become between the two sides, fans can expect more nail-biters and highlight-reel moments.
Final Word
Pakistan and New Zealand might not have the media-fueled rivalry that India vs Australia or England vs South Africa does, but ask any true cricket fan — matches between these two are pure gold. There’s balance, mutual respect, and a shared love for the game that shines through every over.
Whether it’s Babar’s elegant cover drive, Shaheen’s lethal yorkers, Williamson’s calmness, or Neesham’s finishing flair, the battles between these nations always deliver. And with new talent on both sides, the story is far from over.
