One of the most thrilling and competitive games that happens in international cricket is played between New Zealand vs Pakistan national squads. They have all had their time in the sun and it is a rivalry that has produced some exciting cricket across formats. VN: F [1.9.22_1171] Rating: 0 (from 0 votes) Share these topics: on February 6, in; Rate this article: How did the Toto Wolff-Cyril Abiteboul War of Words reach Breaking Point?
Early Meetings & Beginning of the Feud
The New Zealand-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the more classical ones as it all started in 1955 with their very first encounter playing a Test match against each other. Abdul Hafeez Kardar captained the Pakistani side as they toured New Zealand for a Test series which we start with here, and it laid a foundation for what now is a competitive cricket rivalry.
In the years since their Test and ODI encounters have been thoroughly competitive but never short of moments when one team was so on top that someone might as well retire an hour or two before tea. Facebook Twitter Facebook Messenger Pinterest Email The early years were all Pakistan, especially in the subcontinent conditions where their spinners often hoodwinked New Zealand.
The Decade of Competitive Cricket–1990s
The 1990s too had a period when the rivalry boiled over, especially in one day cricket. Here both the teams many a times met each other in ICC tournaments and especially World Cups. During this period, the likes of Pakistan’s legendary pacer Wasim Akram and New Zealand’s dynamic all-rounder Chris Cairns were some key figures.
One of the most unforgettable occasions was with Pakistan under then captain Imran Khan triumphed over New Zealand in the 1992 World Cup in this semi final for a place in the heroics. With a World Cup win in the bag and their reputation as a top hurdle still intact.
2000s: Momentum Change
The 2000s would be more even, in the sense that for whatever reason New Zealand were proper rivals now, and markedly less shit than previously (and for a period much of this rivalry bordered on quality); the workman like consistency across all formats Pakistan we knew well. New Zealand vs Pakistan at MohaliOct 20, 2006The experienced faces of the New Zealand team were instrumental in their path against Pakistan whereas for Pakistan it was individual brilliance from players like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shoaib Akhtar that stole him into the final.
Pakistan had won the ICC World T20 in 2009, and New Zealand was still a good unit; especially with the shorter formats. In their Test tussles, too, the tide appeared to turn as New Zealand managed wins better at home and abroad.
Recent Developments: 2023-24 Series
The recent clashes between New Zealand and Pakistan have been highly competitive, this truly depicts the richness of both sides. The teams met in various formats during the 2023-24 season, with each side spending time on top.
2023 World Cup: A memorable game from the past came in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup when two aspirant teams Kagiso Rabada-led South Africa met Kane Williamson-giant New Zealand. In a critical group stage match, Pakistan pipped New Zealand in what was eventually much more on closer margins. This was an important victory for Pakistan that now increases their chances to qualify for the knockout round 【8†source】.
New Zealand Tour of Pakistan 2024: New Zealand visited Pakistan for an ODI, but it was at the beginning of 2024. It was a 3-match T20I series and both the teams came well in all departments. This five-match ODI series ended in an edge of the seat competition, with Pakistan clinching victory by 3-2 led through phenomenal performances from Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam although Mark Chapman from New Zealand advanced to everyone’s noteworthy【7†source】.
Pakistan Tour of New Zealand 2024: In counter (Pakistan also visited for a tour later that year) It was a T20 series and both teams flexed their muscles. The series was won by New Zealand 3-2 with important contributions from Daryl Mitchell and Matt Henry. The final ended up see Pakistan winning properly, The knock was 6†source.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Over the years there have been some memorable performances in New Zealand vs Pakistan clashes:
Wasim Akram (Pakistan): Terrorizing New Zealand batsmen ever formidable Sultan of Swing for Pakistan during the 1990s Wasim as they are called.
Daniel Vettori (New Zealand): New Zealand has produced very few spinners but Daniel Vettori was a rare exception as he troubled Pakistan whenever played against the greens.
Babar Azam (Pakistan): The current captain of Pakistan, who has been among the runs against New Zealand in the last few years.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand): The cool headed approach of Williamson along with his batting has helped New Zealand by building many successful chases against Pakistan.
The Future of the Rivalry
Over time, the rivalry between New Zealand vs Pakistan will only become more fascinating as both sides move forward. Both young talents emerged on either end and with seeded players guiding them through, future collisions look as promising.
Both teams are likely to meet again in the upcoming ICC events which include the T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup along with some other cricket series, fans can hardly wait for more rivalries between these two giants.
Conclusion
NZ vs Pak cricket is a great match to watch this rivalry of the equally suited teams in the realm of cricket. This rivalry has a great history; we have seen many exciting moments in past between these two teams and ahead it is gonna be even more competitive. The races for the top order are always aggressive against these two parties, so there is a promise to upgrade cricket every time.
One thing is sure the rivalry between New Zealand vs Pakistan, will be there as both teams are preparing for the future series coming up so keep calm cricket fans to support your favourite ones followed by most importantly me.
