New Zealand arrive for first Pakistan tour in 18 years

The New Zealand side has arrived in Islamabad for three ODIs and five T20Is, which will be played from 17 September to 3 October.

This is the first tour of Pakistan, by the Black Caps, in 18 years.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the 17, 19 and 21 September ODIs, while the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be the venue for the five T20Is from 25 September to 3 October.

New Zealand last toured Pakistan in November 2003 when they played five 50-over matches. A year before, their last Test appearance in Pakistan was at the Gaddafi Stadium in May 2002, which is remembered for former captain Inzamamul Haq’s 329 and speedster Shoaib Akhtar’s six for 11 in the first innings that led the home side to an innings and 324-run victory.

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Since the 2003 ODI series, Pakistan have thrice hosted New Zealand for ODIs in the United Arab Emirates with the Black Caps winning the 2019-10 and 2014-15 series )2-1 and 3-2, respectively) and drawing the 2018-19 series 1-1.

However, Pakistan won the 2009-10 and 2018-19 T20I series by 2-0 and 3-0, respectively, while the 2014-15 series was tied at 1-1. New Zealand drew the 2014-15 Test series 1-1 and won the 2018-19 series by 2-1.

Series schedule

11 Sep – Arrival in Islamabad         

12-14 Sep – Room isolation

15-16 Sep – Training/practice/intra-squad match

17 Sep – 1st ODI, Rawalpindi

19 Sep – 2nd ODI, Rawalpindi

21 Sep – 3rd ODI, Rawalpindi

25 Sep – 1st T20I, Lahore

26 Sep – 2nd T20I, Lahore

29 Sep – 3rd T20I, Lahore

1 Oct – 4th T20I, Lahore

3 Oct – 5th T20I, Lahore