New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team stats One of the most intriguing rivalries in international cricket has been that of the national cricket team of New Zealand and that of Pakistan. Both of them have glorious histories behind them, with exciting matches remembered by everyone involved in this sport across every format of the game. In this blog post, we go through their match statistics to explore the dynamic of such a competitive rivalry.
Head-to-head in Test matches
Both these teams have played each other since 1955 in Test cricket. Decades witnessed several gripping encounters, though each had its own flavour of cricket.
Total played matches: 61
Matches won by Pakistan: 25
Matches won by New Zealand: 14
Matches drawn: 22
Pakistan has a strong Test cricket advantage, with almost two times more wins than New Zealand. In the past, Pakistan’s strong bowling side, featuring the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Saqlain Mushtaq, has often come out on top against New Zealand’s batting. However, recently, New Zealand has been able to level the playing field, where Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have won a few matches for their teams.
Memorable Test encounters
Sharjah 2014: New Zealand’s innings and 80-run victory was a true testament to their resilience. Brendon McCullum’s double century and Trent Boult’s blistering spell were the highlights of the game.
Wellington 2021: Pakistan’s spirited chase failed, giving New Zealand a thrilling victory. Kane Williamson’s century was the turning point of this match.
Head-to-head in ODIs
When it comes to One-Day Internationals (ODIs), the competition between New Zealand and Pakistan is far more evenly balanced.
Total matches played: 113
Pakistan victory: 56
New Zealand victory: 50
Match abandoned/No result: 7
The one-day match has been won at home by Pakistan when exploiting their home advantage due to spin-friendly conditions while the new Zealand’s fast bowling lineup has come out shining well on a seaming pitch. In both, it has seen some good games and many close finishes.
World Cup 1992: Pakistan’s semi-final triumph over New Zealand was the largest step towards their first ever World Cup victory. It was a smoky knock by Inzamam-ul-Haq.
Auckland 2015: It was Martin Guptill’s unbeaten century in the World Cup, giving New Zealand a 7-wicket win. In the tournament, it presented his dominance.
Head-to-head in T20Is
In the shortest format of the game, New Zealand and Pakistan have clashed in a few high-octane matches. Pakistan’s adaptability and bowling depth often give them an edge in T20 cricket.
Total matches played: 30
Pakistan wins: 18
New Zealand wins: 12
Notable T20 clashes.
World T20 2007: Pakistan’s victory over New Zealand in the Super 8s was due to a brilliant all-round performance by Shahid Afridi.
Napier 2020: Seifert made a half century and in a dominating win by New Zealand.
Individual performances
The India and Pakistan rivalry is also depicted in individual performances. Some notable partnerships are as follows:
Highest individual score in Test : Kane Williamson’s 238 at Christchurch (2021)
Best bowling figures in a test : Imran Khan 8/58 at Lahore in 1983.
Highest ODI score Fakhar Zaman’s 210* at Bulawayo (2018).
Best bowling figures in an ODI : Shahid Afridi’s 7/12 at Sharjah (2013).
T20I Best score: Mohammad Rizwan 104* (Hamilton, 2020).
Best Bowling figures T20Is Tim Southee 5/18 (Auckland, 2010).
Analysis in comparison to strength
Batting depth: Pakistan has always had very good batting, which on their day can produce match-winning performances. In recent times, consistency has been added by the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. New Zealand’s batting is heavily reliant on the consistency of Kane Williamson and the explosiveness of the likes of Glenn Phillips in T20Is.
Bowling arsenal: Pakistan’s pace and spin attack has been a nightmare for New Zealand on more than one occasion. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have continued the legacy with their bowling skills. New Zealand have countered this with a well-balanced attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
Fielding: New Zealand have always been among the world’s top fielding sides, usually preventing key runs. The improvement of Pakistani fielding has still featured periods of inconsistency.
Trends and performances in the last years
Over the past couple of years, New Zealand and Pakistan have shared bilateral series across formats. It is due to such series that strategies and talent emerging have highlighted their skills.
2022 T20I Tri-series Final: Pakistan proved themselves in the crunch games by winning over New Zealand in Christchurch and clinching the Tri-series.
2023 ODI Series: New Zealand showed how well they can adapt to the subcontinental conditions as they whitewashed Pakistan 4-1.
Statistical Milestones
Most Runs in Tests (Head to Head): Javed Miandad (Pakistan) – 1,919 runs.
Most Runs in ODIs (Head to Head): Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 1,283 runs.
Most runs in T20Is (Head to Head): Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan) – 601 runs.
Most wickets in Tests (Head to Head): Richard Hadlee (New Zealand) – 65 wickets.
Most wickets in ODIs (head to head): Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 89 wickets.
Most wickets in T20Is (head to head): Haris Rauf (Pakistan) – 22 wickets
The road ahead
The rivalry between New Zealand and Pakistan promises to be dynamic, with a mix of experienced players and young talent. The upcoming ICC events and bilateral series promise much more in terms of excitement to the fans.
Conclusion
New Zealand national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team stats match statistics tell us of a rivalry steeped in history, thrilling encounters, and stellar performances. While Pakistan holds the edge in Tests and T20Is, the ODI battles are still the competition. As both teams continue to develop, this rivalry is going to create many more memorable moments for cricket fans around the world.
Also read England cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team matches : Famous
