Pakistan and New Zealand have shared a long and competitive Test cricket rivalry dating back to 1955. Over the decades, the two teams have produced memorable matches involving legendary players, dramatic finishes and some remarkable batting and bowling performances. Pakistan vs new zealand head to head in test
As of September 2026, Pakistan and New Zealand have played 62 Test matches. Pakistan have won 25, New Zealand have won 14, while 23 Tests have ended in draws. Pakistan therefore have an 11-match advantage in the overall head-to-head record.
The most recent Test series between the sides was played in Pakistan in December 2022 and January 2023. Both Tests ended in draws, meaning the series finished 0-0.
Pakistan vs New Zealand Test Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Pakistan | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test matches | 62 | 62 |
| Wins | 25 | 14 |
| Losses | 14 | 25 |
| Draws | 23 | 23 |
| First Test meeting | 1955 | 1955 |
| Latest Test meeting | January 2023 | January 2023 |
Pakistan’s 25 victories are their most against any Test opponent, according to the historical record. New Zealand have won 14 times, while 23 matches have been drawn. Pakistan vs new zealand head to head in test
The Rivalry Began in 1955
Pakistan and New Zealand first played Test cricket against each other in October 1955. Pakistan won that first encounter by an innings and one run.
Pakistan enjoyed considerable success during the early decades of the rivalry. In the first series in Pakistan in 1955-56, Pakistan won two of the three Tests, with the other match drawn. The teams then met several times during the 1960s and 1970s, with Pakistan generally holding the advantage.
New Zealand eventually became a more competitive opponent, particularly from the 1980s onward.
Pakistan’s Overall Advantage
Pakistan have won 25 of the 62 Tests, compared with New Zealand’s 14 victories. The 23 drawn matches represent a significant portion of the rivalry’s history.
Pakistan’s dominance is particularly clear when looking at the early history of the contest. According to historical records, Pakistan won four Tests against New Zealand during the 1970s without suffering a defeat. Their record remained strong during the 1990s as well.
However, New Zealand have enjoyed several successful periods, especially in home conditions.
New Zealand’s Rise in the 1980s
New Zealand recorded their first Test-series victory over Pakistan in 1985. The two teams played three Tests in New Zealand, with the hosts winning two matches and one ending in a draw.
This represented an important shift in the rivalry. New Zealand’s players became increasingly comfortable against Pakistan’s strong batting and bowling attacks.
The 1988-89 series in New Zealand was another competitive contest, with both Tests ending in draws.
Pakistan’s Dominant 1990-91 Series
One of Pakistan’s strongest performances against New Zealand came during the 1990-91 series in Pakistan.
Pakistan won all three Tests, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The Pakistani side contained several outstanding players, including Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram.
The result remains one of Pakistan’s most dominant series performances in this rivalry.
Pakistan also performed strongly during the 1992-93 and 1993-94 series, winning several matches against New Zealand.
Memorable 2014 Test in Sharjah
One of the most remarkable modern Pakistan-New Zealand Tests took place in Sharjah in November 2014.
New Zealand scored 690, their highest-ever Test innings total against Pakistan. Brendon McCullum scored 202, while Kane Williamson made 192, as the pair put together a huge partnership.
Pakistan had earlier made 351, but New Zealand’s enormous total put them in a commanding position.
The match ended in a draw, but it remains one of the most memorable high-scoring encounters between the two teams.
New Zealand’s Strong Run in 2016
New Zealand enjoyed a particularly successful period during their 2016-17 home series against Pakistan.
New Zealand won both Tests:
- Christchurch: New Zealand won by 8 wickets.
- Hamilton: New Zealand won by 138 runs.
The 2-0 series victory demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to exploit home conditions and put Pakistan’s batting under sustained pressure.
Pakistan vs New Zealand in the UAE
Pakistan played several home series in the United Arab Emirates during the 2010s because international cricket was not regularly being hosted in Pakistan.
This created another important chapter in the rivalry.
The 2014-15 series ended 1-1, with one Test drawn. Pakistan won the second Test, while New Zealand won the third.
The 2018-19 series was even more competitive. New Zealand won two Tests, while Pakistan won one, giving New Zealand a 2-1 series victory.
The Abu Dhabi Test in November 2018 was particularly memorable. New Zealand won by only four runs, one of the narrowest margins in the history of the rivalry.
New Zealand’s 2020-21 Series Victory
New Zealand produced another strong performance when Pakistan toured New Zealand in December 2020 and January 2021.
New Zealand won both Tests and completed a 2-0 series victory.
The first Test at Mount Maunganui was won by New Zealand by 101 runs. In the second Test at Christchurch, New Zealand dominated Pakistan and won by an innings and 176 runs.
The second Test was particularly notable for New Zealand’s enormous first-innings total of 659/6 declared. Kane Williamson scored 238, while Henry Nicholls and other New Zealand batters helped build a huge lead.
Kyle Jamieson also produced an outstanding bowling performance, taking 11 wickets in the match.
The 2022-23 Series Ends in Two Draws
The most recent Test meetings between Pakistan and New Zealand took place in Pakistan at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023.
The first Test in Karachi began on December 26, 2022. New Zealand scored 612/9 declared, while Pakistan replied with 438. Pakistan then reached 311/8 declared in their second innings, and the match ended in a draw.
The second Test, also in Karachi, began on January 2, 2023. New Zealand made 449 and Pakistan responded with 408. New Zealand declared their second innings at 277/5, setting Pakistan a target, but the match ended in another draw.
As a result, the two-Test series finished 0-0.
Highest Team Totals
The rivalry has produced some enormous Test innings.
New Zealand’s highest score against Pakistan is 690, made in Sharjah in 2014. Pakistan’s highest score against New Zealand is 643.
These numbers highlight how frequently the rivalry has produced high-scoring contests.
The 2014 Sharjah Test was particularly remarkable because New Zealand’s 690 included centuries from both Brendon McCullum and Kane Williamson.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Many outstanding cricketers have played important roles in Pakistan-New Zealand Tests.
Pakistan’s history against New Zealand includes legendary names such as:
- Imran Khan
- Javed Miandad
- Wasim Akram
- Waqar Younis
- Inzamam-ul-Haq
- Younis Khan
- Misbah-ul-Haq
New Zealand have also produced several influential players:
- Richard Hadlee
- Martin Crowe
- Brendon McCullum
- Kane Williamson
- Ross Taylor
- Daniel Vettori
- Kyle Jamieson
Kane Williamson has been particularly successful in modern Pakistan-New Zealand Tests. His 238 in Christchurch in 2020-21 remains one of the outstanding individual innings of the rivalry.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Recent Series Results
| Series | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | UAE | 1-1 draw |
| 2016-17 | New Zealand | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2018-19 | UAE | New Zealand won 2-1 |
| 2020-21 | New Zealand | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2022-23 | Pakistan | Series drawn 0-0 |
The recent record shows that New Zealand became much more competitive against Pakistan during the 21st century, despite Pakistan retaining a substantial overall advantage.
Home Advantage
Home conditions have played an important role in this rivalry.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s traditional home conditions have often rewarded high-quality batting and reverse swing, while slow pitches can bring spinners into the game.
Pakistan have historically performed strongly against New Zealand at home, although New Zealand have also produced competitive results in recent years.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s pitches can provide seam movement and bounce, particularly early in a Test. This has often helped their fast bowlers.
The 2016 and 2020-21 series demonstrated how effectively New Zealand can use home conditions against Pakistan.
UAE
The UAE period created a neutral-style home environment for Pakistan. Slow pitches often encouraged spin and reverse swing, producing several close matches.
Pakistan vs New Zealand: Important Facts
Here are some key facts about the Test rivalry:
- First Test: 1955
- Total Tests: 62
- Pakistan wins: 25
- New Zealand wins: 14
- Draws: 23
- Pakistan’s highest total: 643
- New Zealand’s highest total: 690
- New Zealand’s 690 came in Sharjah in 2014
- Latest Test: January 2023
- Latest series: 0-0 draw
- Pakistan have won more Tests against New Zealand than against any other opponent.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs New Zealand Test head-to-head is a rivalry stretching back more than seven decades. The teams have played 62 Tests, with Pakistan winning 25, New Zealand winning 14 and 23 matches ending in draws.
Pakistan enjoyed considerable success during the early decades, while New Zealand became increasingly competitive from the 1980s onward. New Zealand’s 2-0 series victories in 2016-17 and 2020-21 were particularly notable.
The rivalry has also produced remarkable individual and team performances. New Zealand’s 690 in Sharjah in 2014 and Kane Williamson’s 238 in Christchurch in 2020-21 stand among the most memorable achievements.
The latest two-Test series, played in Pakistan in 2022-23, ended with both matches drawn. The head-to-head record therefore remains strongly in Pakistan’s favour, although New Zealand have narrowed the gap through a number of successful series in recent decades.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Test matches have Pakistan and New Zealand played?
Pakistan and New Zealand have played 62 Test matches against each other.
2. Who has won more Test matches between Pakistan and New Zealand?
Pakistan have won more Tests, with 25 victories, compared with 14 for New Zealand.
3. How many Pakistan vs New Zealand Tests have been drawn?
23 Tests between Pakistan and New Zealand have ended in draws.
4. When was the last Pakistan vs New Zealand Test series?
The most recent Test series was played in Pakistan in December 2022 and January 2023. Both Tests ended in draws, so the series was drawn 0-0.
5. What is the highest Test score by New Zealand against Pakistan?
New Zealand’s highest Test innings against Pakistan is 690, scored in Sharjah in 2014.