Introduction: Pakistan National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Cricket matches between Pakistan and New Zealand have always been exciting. These two teams are known for their strong players, fighting spirit, and close contests. Fans from both countries love to watch them play, and every match brings surprises and thrilling moments.
In this article, we will look at the latest match scorecard, important highlights, top performers, past records, and more details about the Pakistan vs New Zealand cricket rivalry.
Table of Contents
Pakistan vs New Zealand Latest Match Overview
Pakistan and New Zealand faced off in a recent exciting match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Here is a quick summary of the game:
Match Details
- Date: May 15, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Format: One Day International (ODI)
- Toss: New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first
Match Scorecard
Let’s take a closer look at the full scorecard of the match.
New Zealand Innings
- Total Score: 268/9 in 50 overs
- Top Batsmen:
- Kane Williamson – 78 runs (94 balls)
- Daryl Mitchell – 52 runs (63 balls)
- Tom Latham – 36 runs (42 balls)
- Top Bowlers from Pakistan:
- Shaheen Afridi – 3 wickets for 45 runs
- Shadab Khan – 2 wickets for 46 runs
- Haris Rauf – 2 wickets for 50 runs
Pakistan Innings
- Total Score: 271/6 in 48.2 overs
- Top Batsmen:
- Babar Azam – 92 runs (88 balls)
- Mohammad Rizwan – 65 runs (70 balls)
- Fakhar Zaman – 45 runs (39 balls)
- Top Bowlers from New Zealand:
- Trent Boult – 2 wickets for 56 runs
- Ish Sodhi – 2 wickets for 47 runs
Match Result
- Winner: Pakistan won by 4 wickets
- Player of the Match: Babar Azam for his match-winning knock of 92 runs
Key Highlights of the Match
Here are the moments that made the match exciting:
Babar Azam’s Captain’s Knock
Babar Azam once again showed his class with the bat. He played a calm and responsible innings, guiding Pakistan through tough moments and finishing close to a century. His timing, shot selection, and cool mind impressed everyone.
Kane Williamson’s Solid Performance
Kane Williamson was the star for New Zealand. He held the innings together and played some beautiful strokes. Even though he missed out on a century, his 78 runs were crucial in taking New Zealand to a good total.
Shaheen Afridi’s Early Breakthroughs
Shaheen Afridi gave Pakistan an early advantage by taking two quick wickets. His pace and swing troubled the New Zealand openers. He came back later to pick another wicket and finished with 3 wickets.
Close Finish
Pakistan chased the target with just 10 balls to spare. New Zealand’s bowlers made it tough in the final overs, but Rizwan and Babar’s partnership helped Pakistan cross the line.
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)
Here’s a quick look at the head-to-head record between Pakistan and New Zealand in One Day Internationals:
- Total Matches Played: 115
- Pakistan Wins: 59
- New Zealand Wins: 50
- No Result/Tied: 6
The competition between these two teams has always been close. Both have had their share of victories and tough losses.
History of Pakistan vs New Zealand Rivalry
First Match
The first ODI match between Pakistan and New Zealand was played in 1973. Since then, they have played many thrilling matches in all formats.
World Cup Meetings
Pakistan and New Zealand have played many memorable matches in Cricket World Cups. One of the most famous was in the 1992 World Cup when Pakistan beat an unbeaten New Zealand team in the semi-final and later won the tournament.
Memorable Matches
- 2009 Champions Trophy: Pakistan defeated New Zealand in a thrilling semi-final.
- 2011 World Cup: Ross Taylor’s explosive century helped New Zealand beat Pakistan.
- 2019 World Cup: Babar Azam’s century helped Pakistan chase a tricky total successfully.
Top Players in Pakistan vs New Zealand Matches
Here are some of the top-performing players in the history of matches between Pakistan and New Zealand:
For Pakistan
- Babar Azam – Known for his elegant batting and consistency
- Wasim Akram – One of the best fast bowlers in cricket history
- Shoaib Akhtar – His speed and aggression troubled New Zealand batsmen
- Inzamam-ul-Haq – Famous for his calm and match-winning innings
For New Zealand
- Kane Williamson – A reliable and classy batsman
- Martin Guptill – Dangerous opener known for big scores
- Daniel Vettori – His spin bowling often kept Pakistan in check
- Ross Taylor – A consistent middle-order batsman
Future Fixtures Between Pakistan and New Zealand
Here are some of the upcoming matches between these two teams:
| Date | Match Type | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | T20 Match | Eden Park, Auckland |
| July 2025 | ODI Series | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Nov 2025 | Test Match | Basin Reserve, Wellington |
These upcoming matches will offer more chances for both teams to shine.
Fan Reactions
Cricket fans from both Pakistan and New Zealand enjoyed the match. Social media was filled with praises for Babar Azam’s innings and Shaheen Afridi’s fiery bowling. Here are some common fan reactions:
- “Babar is the king of chasing! What a player!”
- “Kane Williamson is pure class, unlucky not to get a hundred.”
- “Shaheen always delivers in big matches.”
- “Another tight contest between two great teams.”
Expert Opinions
Commentators and Analysts
Many cricket experts praised the quality of cricket played in the match:
- Ramiz Raja said: “This is one of the best chases I’ve seen from Pakistan in recent times.”
- Simon Doull mentioned: “New Zealand fought hard, but Babar’s innings made the difference.”
- Wasim Akram appreciated the young bowlers of both sides and said: “These teams are growing stronger every match.”
Conclusion
The match between the Pakistan National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team was a great example of how exciting and close cricket matches can be. With top-class performances, close finishes, and lots of thrilling moments, it was a treat for all cricket fans.
As both teams prepare for upcoming matches, fans can expect more entertainment and high-quality cricket. Whether it’s Babar’s classy batting or Shaheen’s fast bowling, or Williamson’s calm leadership, the cricket rivalry between Pakistan and New Zealand continues to grow stronger and more exciting.
FAQs About Pakistan vs New Zealand Cricket Match
Who won the recent Pakistan vs New Zealand match?
Pakistan won the match by 4 wickets on May 15, 2025.
Who was the top scorer in the match?
Babar Azam scored 92 runs and was the top scorer of the match.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
What is the head-to-head record in ODIs?
Out of 115 matches, Pakistan has won 59 and New Zealand has won 50, with 6 no results.
