Introduction to New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
In one of the most anticipated matches of the 2025 International Cricket Series, the New Zealand National Cricket Team took on the Pakistan National Cricket Team in a high-stakes encounter that captivated fans across the globe. Held at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland on March 18, 2025, this One Day International (ODI) match was a crucial fixture in the five-match bilateral series between the two teams. Both sides entered the game with strong lineups, eager to gain an upper hand in the series and bolster their rankings ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy later in the year.
The match promised fireworks from both batting and bowling departments, with star players from each team delivering stellar performances. Kane Williamson led the Kiwis with his usual calmness and tactical acumen, while Babar Azam captained Pakistan with aggression and intent. The pitch at Eden Park offered assistance to both pacers and spinners, making it a balanced contest for both teams.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first, setting a competitive total of 317/6 in their allotted 50 overs. In response, New Zealand chased down the target with two balls to spare, thanks to a brilliant century by Devon Conway and a late cameo by Daryl Mitchell. This thrilling encounter not only entertained fans but also showcased the evolving dynamics of modern ODI cricket, where adaptability and composure under pressure play pivotal roles.
Below is a detailed match summary followed by the full scorecard in tabular format, capturing all key moments and player contributions.
Table of Contents
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs Pakistan – 3rd ODI, 2025 Bilateral Series |
|---|---|
| Date | Monday, March 18, 2025 |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Toss | Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat |
| Umpires | Richard Kettleborough (ENG), Michael Gough (ENG) |
| Match Referee | Andy Pycroft (NZ) |
| Series Status | Pakistan leading 2-0 |
Full Scorecard of the Match
| Team | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Extras | Powerplay Runs | Fall of Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 50.0 | 317/6 | 6 | 19 (lb 4, w 10, nb 5) | PP1: 52/1 (0-10 ov) | 1-52 (Fakhar Zaman), 2-101 (Imam-ul-Haq), 3-195 (Babar Azam), 4-246 (Mohammad Rizwan), 5-288 (Shadab Khan), 6-317 (Asif Ali) |
| New Zealand | 49.4 | 320/5 | 5 | 14 (lb 3, w 8, nb 3) | PP1: 49/1 (0-10 ov) | 1-49 (Finn Allen), 2-134 (Devon Conway), 3-192 (Kane Williamson), 4-278 (Glenn Phillips), 5-315 (Mitchell Santner) |
Batting Performances
Pakistan Innings: 317/6 in 50 Overs
| Batsman | How Out | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | b Southee | 42 | 58 | 4 | 1 | 72.41 |
| Imam-ul-Haq | c Latham b Sodhi | 49 | 71 | 5 | 0 | 69.01 |
| Babar Azam (c) | lbw b Boult | 87 | 98 | 9 | 0 | 88.78 |
| Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | run out | 51 | 67 | 4 | 1 | 76.12 |
| Shadab Khan | c & b Sodhi | 42 | 39 | 3 | 1 | 107.69 |
| Asif Ali | not out | 38* | 23 | 4 | 1 | 165.22 |
| Iftikhar Ahmed | not out | 0* | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | (b 4, lb 4, w 10, nb 5) | 19 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 317/6 | 300 balls | 25 fours | 3 sixes |
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee | 10 | 1 | 55 | 1 | 5.50 |
| Trent Boult | 10 | 0 | 61 | 1 | 6.10 |
| Ish Sodhi | 10 | 0 | 52 | 2 | 5.20 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 0 | 54 | 0 | 5.40 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 10 | 0 | 46 | 0 | 4.60 |
New Zealand Chase: 320/5 in 49.4 Overs
| Batsman | How Out | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finn Allen | c Rizwan b Amir | 38 | 41 | 5 | 0 | 92.68 |
| Devon Conway | c Hasan b Rauf | 117 | 123 | 11 | 2 | 95.12 |
| Kane Williamson (c) | lbw b Shadab | 56 | 78 | 4 | 1 | 71.79 |
| Glenn Phillips | c Azam b Amir | 86 | 81 | 7 | 2 | 106.17 |
| Mitchell Santner | c Rizwan b Shadab | 14 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 116.67 |
| Daryl Mitchell | not out | 10* | 7 | 1 | 0 | 142.86 |
| Extras | (b 3, lb 3, w 8, nb 3) | 14 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 320/5 | 298 balls | 24 fours | 5 sixes |
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hasan Ali | 10 | 0 | 55 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 9.4 | 0 | 50 | 0 | 5.17 |
| Haris Rauf | 10 | 0 | 67 | 1 | 6.70 |
| Amir Jamal | 10 | 0 | 68 | 2 | 6.80 |
| Shadab Khan | 10 | 0 | 59 | 2 | 5.90 |
A Tactical and Thrilling Encounter
From the very beginning, the match unfolded as a tightly contested battle between bat and ball. Pakistan’s decision to bat first looked solid as openers Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq provided a steady start. However, Tim Southee struck early by dismissing Fakhar with a well-directed short delivery. Imam continued to anchor the innings until he fell just before the halfway mark, caught behind off Ish Sodhi.
Captain Babar Azam then took control of the innings, playing a measured knock that blended caution with calculated aggression. His partnership with Mohammad Rizwan added 94 runs for the third wicket, stabilizing the innings after the early setbacks. Babar’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries under pressure kept Pakistan in the driver’s seat.
Once Babar was dismissed by Trent Boult, caught at mid-off, the middle order stepped up. Shadab Khan played a crucial cameo, accelerating the scoring rate with some clean hitting. Asif Ali came in at No. 6 and finished the innings strongly, smashing 38 off just 23 balls to push Pakistan past the 315-run mark.
In response, New Zealand began cautiously, with Finn Allen and Devon Conway looking to build a foundation. Allen departed after a brisk 38, caught behind off Amir Jamal. Conway, however, showed immense resilience and class, anchoring the chase with a masterclass innings. His century came off 123 deliveries and included 11 boundaries and two towering sixes.
Kane Williamson, ever the rock, supported Conway with a composed half-century. But once both were dismissed within a short span, the onus shifted to Glenn Phillips. He rose to the occasion magnificently, hammering 86 off 81 balls, including two sixes that brought the crowd to its feet. With support from Mitchell Santner and a quickfire cameo from Daryl Mitchell, New Zealand sealed the win with two balls to spare, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Key Moments That Defined the Game
- Babar Azam’s Anchoring Knock: Despite losing partners at regular intervals, Babar displayed his leadership qualities with a gritty 87-run knock that set the platform for Pakistan’s total.
- Conway’s Century Under Pressure: Devon Conway’s unbeaten 117 laid the foundation for the chase and was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to victory.
- Phillips’ Finisher Role: Glenn Phillips proved why he’s one of the best finishers in world cricket today, taking the game deep and sealing the deal with a few crucial blows.
- Shadab Khan’s Dual Contribution: With both bat and ball, Shadab Khan made significant contributions for Pakistan, picking up two wickets and scoring vital runs.
- Mitchell’s Calm Finish: Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 10 off 7 balls, showcasing his temperament in high-pressure situations.
Statistical Highlights
- Highest Individual Score: Devon Conway (117*) for New Zealand
- Best Bowling Figures: Ish Sodhi (2/52) for New Zealand
- Most Runs for Pakistan: Babar Azam (87)
- Most Wickets for Pakistan: Amir Jamal (2/68)
- Boundary Count: Total of 49 boundaries (25 fours + 3 sixes for Pakistan; 24 fours + 5 sixes for New Zealand)
- Run Rate: Pakistan scored at 6.34 rpo, while New Zealand chased at 6.45 rpo.
Player of the Match
Devon Conway was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning century. His ability to handle pressure and rotate the strike effectively ensured that New Zealand never lost control of the chase.
What Lies Ahead in the Series
With this victory, New Zealand reduced the deficit in the series to 2-1, giving them a fighting chance to level the series in the remaining two ODIs. The fourth match is scheduled for March 21 at Seddon Park in Hamilton, where both teams will look to make crucial adjustments based on the learnings from this closely-fought contest.
For Pakistan, the focus will be on tightening their death bowling and improving their fielding performance, which cost them dearly during the chase. For New Zealand, maintaining consistency in partnerships and ensuring sharp execution in the final overs will be key to leveling the series.
Conclusion
The 2025 clash between the New Zealand and Pakistan national cricket teams at Eden Park was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of modern-day ODI cricket. With both teams displaying grit, skill, and sportsmanship, the match lived up to its billing as a must-watch encounter. As the series continues, fans can expect more nail-biting finishes, individual brilliance, and tactical duels that define international cricket at its finest.
Whether you’re a fan of the Black Caps or the Green Shirts, this match reminded us all why we love the game—because anything can happen, and every run counts.
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