The New Zealand vs Pakistan cricket series in 2025 has been a rollercoaster of emotions, delivering unforgettable moments for cricket fans worldwide. Hosted in New Zealand, this three-match ODI series showcased intense competition, remarkable individual performances, and a showcase of tactical brilliance. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket enthusiast or a casual follower, this article dives deep into the highlights, top performers, and final results, ensuring you’re in the loop with all the excitement. From nail-biting finishes to commanding victories, we’ve got the full scoop on the series finale and everything that led up to it.
This series, part of Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand in March-April 2025, concluded with a 3-0 whitewash in favor of the Black Caps. With standout performances from players like Mitchell Hay, Ben Sears, and Michael Bracewell, New Zealand asserted their dominance at home. Meanwhile, Pakistan fought valiantly, with players like Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah showing resilience despite the setbacks. Below, we break down each match, spotlight the key contributors, and present detailed stats in easy-to-read tables.
Overview of the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Series 2025
The New Zealand vs Pakistan cricket series kicked off on March 29, 2025, with the first ODI at Wellington, followed by matches in Hamilton and Auckland. This series was a critical test for both teams, with New Zealand aiming to solidify their home record and Pakistan looking to bounce back after a mixed run in international cricket. The series concluded on April 5, 2025, with New Zealand emerging victorious in all three encounters, sealing a 3-0 triumph.
Each match brought its own flavor—whether it was a high-scoring chase, a dramatic collapse, or a display of bowling mastery. Let’s dive into the match-by-match highlights, celebrate the top performers, and analyze the final results that shaped this captivating series.
Match 1: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Wellington (March 29, 2025)
Match Highlights
The series opener at Wellington set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance. Batting first, the Black Caps posted a formidable 344/8 in 50 overs, thanks to a sensational century from Mark Chapman (132 off 111 balls) and a gritty fifty from Daryl Mitchell (54 off 62). Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Irfan Khan picking up 3 wickets for 51 runs as their best effort.
In response, Pakistan started strongly, with Babar Azam scoring a classy 78 off 83 balls. However, a dramatic collapse saw them lose their last six wickets for just 22 runs, finishing at 271 in 46 overs. Nathan Smith’s 4/60, including the crucial wicket of Agha Salman (58 off 48), turned the game in New Zealand’s favor. The hosts clinched a 73-run victory, signaling their intent for the series.
Top Performers of New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Series 2025
- Mark Chapman (NZ): 132 off 111 balls (Player of the Match)
- Babar Azam (PAK): 78 off 83 balls
- Nathan Smith (NZ): 4/60 in 8.1 overs
Match 1 Stats
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Batsman | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 344/8 | 50 | Mark Chapman (132) | Nathan Smith (4/60) |
| Pakistan | 271 | 46 | Babar Azam (78) | Irfan Khan (3/51) |
Match 2: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Hamilton (April 2, 2025)
Match Highlights
The second ODI in Hamilton was a testament to New Zealand’s batting depth and bowling precision. Electing to bat, New Zealand scored 292/8, anchored by Mitchell Hay’s unbeaten 99 off 78 balls—a knock that fell agonizingly short of a century. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi (3/62), kept the pressure on, but late cameos from Michael Bracewell (31 off 18) pushed the total beyond Pakistan’s reach.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously, crumbling to 32/5 within 10 overs. Ben Sears ripped through the top order, finishing with a career-best 5/59. A spirited fightback from Faheem Ashraf (73 off 65) and Naseem Shah (51 off 40) offered hope, but it wasn’t enough. Pakistan were bowled out for 208 in 41.2 overs, handing New Zealand an 84-run win and a 2-0 series lead.
Top Performers
- Mitchell Hay (NZ): 99* off 78 balls (Player of the Match)
- Faheem Ashraf (PAK): 73 off 65 balls
- Ben Sears (NZ): 5/59 in 10 overs
Match 2 Stats
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Batsman | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 292/8 | 50 | Mitchell Hay (99*) | Ben Sears (5/59) |
| Pakistan | 208 | 41.2 | Faheem Ashraf (73) | Shaheen Afridi (3/62) |
Match 3: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Auckland (April 5, 2025)
Match Highlights
The series finale in Auckland was a rain-affected thriller, reduced to 42 overs per side. New Zealand, batting first, posted 264/8, with Michael Bracewell’s aggressive 82 off 59 balls stealing the show. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed (3/48) and Haris Rauf (2/55) kept the total in check, but the target of 265 proved challenging on a tricky pitch.
Pakistan’s batting faltered yet again, with early wickets leaving them at 65/4. A valiant 63 from Mohammad Rizwan and a quickfire 45 from Khushdil Shah kept the chase alive, but Michael Bracewell’s 3/42 and Ben Sears’ 2/38 sealed the deal. Pakistan finished at 221 in 40 overs, losing by 43 runs. New Zealand completed a clean sweep, winning the series 3-0.
Top Performers
- Michael Bracewell (NZ): 82 off 59 balls & 3/42 (Player of the Match)
- Mohammad Rizwan (PAK): 63 off 70 balls
- Ben Sears (NZ): 2/38 in 8 overs
Match 3 Stats
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Batsman | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 264/8 | 42 | Michael Bracewell (82) | Michael Bracewell (3/42) |
| Pakistan | 221 | 40 | Mohammad Rizwan (63) | Abrar Ahmed (3/48) |
Series Summary: Final Results
New Zealand’s 3-0 victory was a testament to their all-round prowess. They outclassed Pakistan in batting, bowling, and fielding, capitalizing on home conditions and Pakistan’s inconsistent form. The series showcased thrilling highs—like Chapman’s century and Sears’ five-wicket haul—and lows, such as Pakistan’s repeated top-order collapses.
New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Series Result
- New Zealand: 3 wins
- Pakistan: 0 wins
- Series Scoreline: 3-0
New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Series Awards
- Player of the Series: Ben Sears (NZ) – 11 wickets across 3 matches
- Most Runs: Mark Chapman (NZ) – 156 runs
- Most Wickets: Ben Sears (NZ) – 11 wickets
Series Stats Overview
| Category | New Zealand | Pakistan |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs Scored | 900 | 700 |
| Total Wickets Taken | 29 | 23 |
| Highest Team Total | 344/8 (Match 1) | 271 (Match 1) |
| Lowest Team Total | 264/8 (Match 3) | 208 (Match 2) |
| Top Run-Scorer | Mark Chapman (156) | Faheem Ashraf (121) |
| Top Wicket-Taker | Ben Sears (11) | Shaheen Afridi (6) |
Standout Moments of the New Zealand vs Pakistan Cricket Series
1. Mark Chapman’s Explosive Century (Match 1)
Chapman’s 132 off 111 balls in the first ODI was a game-changer. His aggressive strokeplay dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack, setting a daunting target that Pakistan couldn’t chase.
2. Ben Sears’ Bowling Heroics (Match 2)
Sears’ 5/59 in Hamilton was the defining spell of the series. His ability to exploit Pakistan’s fragile top order turned a competitive chase into a rout, earning him the Player of the Series award.
3. Michael Bracewell’s All-Round Brilliance (Match 3)
Bracewell’s 82 off 59 and 3/42 in the final match showcased his versatility. His performance under pressure ensured New Zealand finished the series on a high.
4. Pakistan’s Resilience in Defeat
Despite the losses, players like Faheem Ashraf (73 in Match 2) and Naseem Shah (51 in Match 2) showed fight, offering glimpses of Pakistan’s potential even in adversity.
Top Performers Breakdown
Batting Stars
- Mark Chapman (NZ): His 132 in the opener was the highest individual score of the series, blending aggression with consistency.
- Mitchell Hay (NZ): An unbeaten 99 in Match 2 highlighted his ability to anchor and accelerate when needed.
- Faheem Ashraf (PAK): Scoring 121 runs across the series, Ashraf was Pakistan’s most consistent batsman.
- Top 10 Most Centuries as Wicket Keepers in ODI
Bowling Heroes
- Ben Sears (NZ): With 11 wickets, Sears was the standout bowler, consistently breaking partnerships and finishing innings.
- Michael Bracewell (NZ): His 6 wickets, including a match-defining 3/42 in the finale, complemented his batting exploits.
- Shaheen Afridi (PAK): Despite the series loss, Afridi’s 6 wickets showcased his threat as a premier fast bowler.
What Went Right for New Zealand?
New Zealand’s success stemmed from their balanced team composition and adaptability. Their batsmen, led by Chapman, Hay, and Bracewell, posted competitive totals, while their bowlers—Sears, Smith, and Bracewell—exploited Pakistan’s weaknesses. The Black Caps’ fielding was sharp, and their tactical acumen under Michael Bracewell’s leadership was spot-on.
What Went Wrong for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s campaign was plagued by inconsistency. Their top order—barring Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan—failed to fire, often leaving the middle and lower order with too much to do. Bowling in the death overs was a persistent issue, as New Zealand capitalized on loose deliveries. Fielding lapses and missed opportunities further compounded their woes.
Fan Reactions and Series Impact
The New Zealand vs Pakistan cricket series sparked lively discussions on social media. Fans praised New Zealand’s clinical performance, with X posts highlighting Sears’ emergence as a star. Pakistan supporters, while disappointed, lauded the efforts of Ashraf and Shah, urging the team to regroup for future challenges. This series has boosted New Zealand’s confidence ahead of upcoming ICC events, while Pakistan will look to address their shortcomings.
Conclusion: A Series to Remember
The New Zealand vs Pakistan cricket series of 2025 was a showcase of cricketing brilliance, with New Zealand’s 3-0 triumph underscoring their dominance. From Chapman’s century to Sears’ five-wicket haul, the series delivered thrills aplenty. Pakistan, despite the whitewash, showed flashes of resilience that promise better days ahead.
For cricket fans, this series was a perfect blend of commanding victories and competitive spirit. Stay tuned for more updates on international cricket, and let us know your favorite moment from this series in the comments below!
FAQs
1. When did the New Zealand vs Pakistan cricket series 2025 take place?
The series ran from March 29 to April 5, 2025, with matches in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland.
2. Who was the Player of the Series?
Ben Sears (New Zealand) won the award for his 11 wickets across the three matches.
3. What was the final result of the series?
New Zealand won the series 3-0, defeating Pakistan in all three ODIs.
4. Who scored the highest individual score in the series?
Mark Chapman’s 132 off 111 balls in the first ODI was the highest score.